Football has not been unfair' to Manchester City. They just lack consistency

"Even Pep Guardiola sounded bemused after Saturday's draw with West Ham, noting how in the past always we found the way to win this kind of game this season, the fact that we didn't score goals for the amount of chances, it's punished us. He seemingly had no explanation for that, muttering about the unfairness of the world that his side had not got the results he feels their football has deserved."

"As has been noted regularly, their second-half form is much worse than their first-half form: if games ended at half-time, they would have 68 points this season; if they started at half-time, just 42; as it is they have 61. Some of the wins in those streaks look less impressive close up: they were extremely fortunate, for instance, to beat Leeds at home and Fulham away after second-half collapses."

"Their draw at Tottenham, having been 2-0 up, felt freakish, and yet that sort of post-half-time slump has become characteristic. They were excellent in beating Newcastle 3-1 away in the FA Cup, yet in the game after that, away to Real Madrid in the Champions League, they were bafflingly open and exposed in midfield."

Manchester City has experienced an unusual season marked by contradictory performances. While they achieved winning streaks of eight games and six games respectively, these runs have been followed by concerning lapses. The team's second-half form significantly underperforms their first-half displays, suggesting mental fatigue or tactical adjustments that backfire. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed frustration after a draw with West Ham, noting the team's inability to convert chances into victories despite creating opportunities. Several wins within their streaks appeared fortunate rather than dominant, including narrow victories over Leeds and Fulham following second-half collapses. Notable draws and losses, such as against Tottenham after leading 2-0, have become characteristic of their recent form. Even impressive performances like their FA Cup victory over Newcastle have been followed by surprisingly vulnerable displays, raising questions about tactical consistency and midfield organization.

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