Manchester City’s season took another troubling turn yesterday as they fell 2-1 to a determined Aston Villa side in the Premier League. In a match that highlighted City’s recent struggles, Morgan Rogers delivered a decisive blow, scoring Villa’s second goal with a powerful run through the middle, and leaving City scrambling for answers.

Phil Foden, one of City’s brightest stars, could only watch in frustration as Rogers’ clinical finish put Villa firmly in control. This was a goal of power and pushing right trough the middle of city mud along silva out the way and making a smart finish.

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Pep Guardiola’s side failed to capitalise, exposing weaknesses that opponents have increasingly exploited. This is something that needs to be looked at urgently because a lot of teams are exposing City on the break, using the middle and the space behind their defence.

Also their strategy of pressing together and trying to finish a game off has changed.

I would have never previously used the word fear when describing this City team, but they look like they are sitting back instead of moving forward in being creative, and trying to win the ball back fast so they can surprise you. That is where it’s going wrong at the moment.

The loss marks yet another setback in City’s campaign, raising concerns about their ability and questions around how long it will take for them to turn the tide. With pressure mounting and rivals gaining momentum, Guardiola and his squad must regroup quickly to salvage their season.

City have slipped outside the European places in the table and are now 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. It’s a pivotal time for Pep to change their fortunes with a busy schedule of games coming up, starting with hosting Everton in the early kick-off on Boxing Day.