Top News

Pep Guardiola has achieved greatness. Not once, but twice with both Barcelona and now Manchester City.

But one of the greatest enemies of greatness is complacency. And there is no better example of such a fact than what happened in north London last weekend.

In a remarkable game, City cruised into a two goal lead against Tottenham before half time. The hosts appeared to be combining an audition for 'Soccer Aid', with a footballing wake for manager Thomas Frank.

The game was won for Guardiola. But in the space of half a game of football, the great Guardiola saw his side capitulate against a side 14th in the Premier League table. Thanks to two goals from a forward who - admittedly he's been on the treatment table for a fair portion of it - hadn't scored in the league this season.

It takes a brave man to write off Guardiola. But there is no escaping the fact that the cracks which appeared in the blue half of Manchester last season, are threatening to turn into open wounds.

Despite Guardiola spending countless millions attempting to rebuild his team, it feels like the pound notes are nothing more than sticking plasters.

• Arsenal earn LESS from Champions League than Liverpool and Man City despite perfect record

• Newcastle respond after players slammed for abandoning mascot at Liverpool game

On the back of a season without silverware last time out, City have now won just one of their last six league games. City needed a favour from Jose Mourinho's Benfica to finish in the top eight of the Champions League table.

Erling Haaland has scored just twice in his last 11 appearances in all competitions - and looks disenchanted. While Ballon d'Or winner Rodri appears to be on a mission to get himself sent off in every game he plays. He succeeded in one of them, when City managed to lose to European minnows Bodo/Glimt.

City are losing games they shouldn't. Huge chinks have appeared in Guardiola's armour of invincibility. His side no longer have that swagger and fear-factor, which used to see opponents beaten before a ball had been kicked.

The perfection, control and domination Guardiola still craves, has gone. Guardiola the GOAT is starting to resemble a bit of a donkey.

Beyond all the billions, Guardiola changed the face of football with his tactics, approach, intelligence and creativeness. But even the best are not immune from going stale.

And with Guardiola now approaching a decade of being in charge of City, perhaps the time is upon him to take a break and re-energise himself, in the hope he can turn up somewhere else and continue to add more layers to his legacy.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.