City’s Title Challenge Faces New Hurdles as Transfer Market Opens

After a shaky start to the season, Manchester City entered the new year in impressive form. Pep Guardiola’s team secured eight victories across all competitions between November 29 and December 27, highlighted by a significant win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the six consecutive wins in the Premier League were of greater significance, bringing City’s deficit behind Arsenal to just two points. Yet, that gap could widen to eight if Arsenal secures a win against Liverpool at the Emirates, a scenario that appears likely given Liverpool’s struggles this season.

This unusual predicament has left City in a position where they must rely on Liverpool to aid in their title pursuit. A vital 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest marked a significant moment for City as they concluded 2025 on a high note, with Rayan Cherki scoring the decisive goal with only seven minutes left in regulation.

Guardiola reflected on the match, expressing confidence that last season’s squad would have faltered in a similar situation, reinforcing his belief that the team is now back on track following a trophy-less campaign in 2024-25. “The critical moment changed in the USA at the Club World Cup,” he stated, referencing City’s disappointing exit against Al-Hilal in June. “We evaluated our performance and many aspects changed from that point onward.

He emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork, noting, “It’s essential in football to acknowledge moments of struggle and to defend well, accept that one isn’t performing at their best, and strive to improve. This victory is a crucial step as we conclude the first leg of the season.”

Joe Hart lauded City’s performance at Forest as indicative of a championship-winning mentality, while midfielder Tijjani Reijnders issued a warning to Arsenal, highlighting the challenges teams face at Nottingham Forest. “This win is vital; we are on the hunt,” he declared.

Yet, the title race may face dramatic shifts just days into the New Year. City suffered three consecutive draws in their opening matches of 2026, beginning with a goalless tie against Sunderland on January 1, followed by draws against Chelsea and Brighton, resulting in a loss of momentum built in the previous month.

Guardiola acknowledged that while he was pleased with aspects of their play, the inability to convert chances has been detrimental. “We played well, but we missed critical opportunities. It’s a collective issue; everyone in the attack needs to step up. We’ve created several chances in close range but failed to score, which has cost us wins.”

However, attributing the team’s struggles solely to missed opportunities oversimplifies the issue. Chelsea deserved their draw at the Etihad, with Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer reflecting their performance. Likewise, Brighton showcased strong play in the first half, underscoring City’s vulnerabilities.

Injuries certainly impacted City’s defensive lineup against Brighton, with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias unavailable, along with John Stones. Consequently, City is reportedly considering a move for Marc Guehi, whose contract with Crystal Palace expires at season’s end. Although the transfer may not come cheaply, City views £40 million as a reasonable investment for a player familiar with the Premier League.

In addition to Guehi, the imminent transfer of Semenyo, with his pace and versatility, promises to enhance City’s attacking options. Addressing defensive issues is paramount, especially as Guardiola’s tendency to convert midfielders into full-backs has left the team vulnerable, demonstrated by their struggles in transitions throughout the season.

While acquiring both Semenyo and Guehi could bolster City’s Champions League aspirations, their Premier League challenge may already be compromised. Guardiola’s frustration was evident in recent matches, and when asked about the league title, he stated, “If you don’t win games, you cannot entertain such thoughts.”

As Arsenal continues to grow stronger, City’s potential signings might arrive too late to salvage their title hopes.