Pep Guardiola is neglecting long-term Man City problem as baffling transfer plan emerges
Man City’s Premier League title challenge may falter as Pep Guardiola is failing to address one problem position in the squad.
The Citizens are beginning to gain momentum as they extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven games at Brentford.
Man City beat Brentford 1-0 thanks to an Erling Haaland strike, with the Norwegian netting his 12th goal of the season.
Rodri picked up an injury for Man City in the match, and Guardiola’s side were indebted to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping out Igor Thiago one-on-one to claim all three points.
Man City right-back plan emerges
Midfielder Matheus Nunes again stepped in at right-back, with Guardiola yet to replace Kyle Walker, who left to join Burnley in the summer.
Centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov has began to make the position his own, but injury meant he couldn’t face the Bees.
Rico Lewis, who signed a new long-term deal at Man City earlier this season, has only appeared for eight minutes in the past four Premier League fixtures.
However, due to Khusanov’s “impressive performances” recently, Man City are “cooling plans” to bring in a new right-back in January, as per Lyall Thomas on X [7 October].
Abdukodir Khusanov stats show new right-back is needed
Khusanov has only started three Premier League games this season, with his one impressive performance against Man Untied at right-back now dictating Man City’s future transfer plans.
The 21-year-old is not a composed operator, and with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol at centre-back, Khusanov needs to find another position to get into Guardiola’s starting XI.
| Minutes Played | 228 |
| Duels Won % | 60.9 |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 40% |
| Fouls Committed | 3 |
| Recoveries | 9 |
Khusanov’s blistering pace makes him useful out wide against wingers, but his rash nature should be a huge concern for Guardiola.
Lewis is a natural right-back and the 20-year-old should be trusted to show his capabilities with the lack of natural alternatives in the position.
Guardiola is seemingly neglecting an issue in his team which could weaken their attempts at major silverware this season.