Manchester City’s defensive frailty was once again on show on Friday as they conceded three second-half goals against Wolves to throw away a two-goal lead at Molineux.
This means that City have now conceded as many goals as they did last term in just 19 games, and that’s partly down to the personnel they have been forced to utilise.
Indeed, City have had to select Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho as their centre-backs on several occasions this term due to injuries sustained by John Stones and Aymeric Laporte.
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Of course, with City’s defence being rather lacklustre against Wolves, questions have been asked as to why youngster Eric Garcia hasn’t been handed a chance over Otamendi – who has seen 17 goals go past him in 13 Premier League appearances – and Sam Lee provided a response.
What’s been said then?
The journalist was hosting a Q&A session on The Athletic after City’s loss to Wolves, and understandably, one fan asked why Otamendi is consistently selected and Garcia isn’t.
“Experience and height. That’s what he has over Garcia and while Fernandinho is also pretty short for a centre-back, I’d be amazed if Garcia partnered him. Maybe Garcia and Laporte. Not saying I necessarily agree, but that’s what it is. Stones the same as Otamendi in terms of form this season, and obviously has been injured too.” Lee replied.
Laporte’s return can’t come quick enough
This discussion only serves as a reminder of how much City are missing Laporte, a member of last season’s Premier League Team of the Year, and how his return simply can’t come quick enough.
Neither Otamendi nor Stones, albeit suffering injury problems of his own, have been able to step up in his absence and really take control of what has become an incredibly susceptible City backline – compounded by the summer departure of Vincent Kompany.
The fact City fans want Guardiola to turn to an 18-year-old, during a season in which they are still technically defending the Premier League title, tells its own story.
Laporte could return at the end of February, but City’s dim title hopes might have faded completely by then.
In other news, one City target has received glowing reviews from his peers.