Thierry Henry believes that players who can score goals have left Manchester City too easily. The analyst is referring to the transfers of Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, and Julian Álvarez in the past.
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Manchester City’s current struggles have raised significant concerns among fans, pundits, and football analysts alike.
The reigning champions of England are enduring one of their most challenging periods under Pep Guardiola, losing eight of their last eleven matches across all competitions. For a team that has set unparalleled standards in recent years, both in terms of consistency and dominance, this downturn has been both unexpected and uncharacteristic. One of the most glaring issues during this rough patch has been City’s inability to find the back of the net with the same frequency and fluidity that once defined their game.
Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star turned analyst, has weighed in on the situation, pinpointing specific decisions in the club’s recent transfer activity as potential contributors to City’s decline. According to Henry, much of the blame lies in allowing prolific and impactful attacking players to leave the club. Cole Palmer, who made a surprising move to Chelsea in the summer, has quickly emerged as one of the brightest talents in the Premier League. At Stamford Bridge, Palmer has been a revelation, consistently delivering goals and assists while demonstrating the creativity and composure that Manchester City could sorely use right now.
Similarly, Julian Álvarez, on loan at Atlético Madrid, has been thriving in Spain, showcasing his sharp eye for goal and versatility in attack. The Argentine forward’s current form highlights what City may have lost by letting him go, albeit temporarily. Riyad Mahrez, a seasoned and proven goal-scorer, has also continued to make headlines in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, where he has seamlessly adapted to a new league while maintaining his scoring output. Henry’s observation is clear: these players still have the quality to make a difference, and their absence is being felt now more than ever.
“For the first time, we can ask and we’re allowed to whether it was wise for Guardiola to decide that Palmer, Mahrez, and Álvarez could leave. You miss the goals,” Henry remarked during an analysis session on Sky Sports. The Frenchman emphasized that while City remains a team loaded with technical brilliance and depth, the void left by these players has had a tangible impact on their attacking efficiency. In Henry’s view, the current squad lacks reliable alternatives beyond Erling Haaland when it comes to scoring goals. The Norwegian striker has carried much of City’s attacking burden, but even his exceptional goal-scoring prowess has not been enough to mask the broader issues.
Henry also highlighted the roles of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, two midfielders who were once pivotal in City’s success. De Bruyne, sidelined for much of the season due to injury, has been unable to influence the team’s fortunes as he typically would. Gündogan, who departed for Barcelona in the summer, had a knack for scoring crucial goals, especially in tight matches. However, as Henry points out, even when he was still with the team, Gündogan’s form was beginning to waver. “Where have those goals gone?” Henry asked, underscoring the importance of players who can deliver in the decisive moments.
While his critique of the club’s transfer decisions is pointed, Henry refrains from fully laying the blame at Guardiola’s feet. He acknowledged the Spanish manager’s immense contributions over his 8.5-year tenure at Manchester City, a period during which the club has enjoyed unprecedented domestic success, including multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and, most recently, a Champions League triumph. “It’s the first time this has happened to him in his career. Let’s not tear him and his team apart for what is happening now,” Henry urged, showing both respect and perspective regarding Guardiola’s legacy.
Henry also dismissed speculation that Guardiola might walk away from his position amid this challenging period. “Never say never, but he’s not that type of coach,” the Frenchman said confidently. Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach and determination, has faced challenges in the past but has consistently found ways to rebuild and revitalize his teams.
Manchester City’s immediate future remains critical as they look to arrest their slump and regain momentum. The club faces three crucial Premier League fixtures before the end of the calendar year, starting with a tough away match against Aston Villa, who have been one of the standout teams this season. Villa’s strong home form, combined with their organized defense, poses a serious challenge for City, who will need to rediscover their scoring touch to secure a positive result.
Following that, City will host Everton at the Etihad Stadium, a match that appears winnable on paper but could prove tricky given Everton’s recent improvements under Sean Dyche. Finally, City will wrap up 2023 with another away trip, this time against Leicester City, a side that has shown glimpses of resilience and unpredictability.
As the pressure mounts, Guardiola’s ability to navigate this difficult period will be put to the ultimate test. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if City can recapture their form and, more importantly, their identity as one of Europe’s most dominant attacking forces. With players like Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish still capable of turning games around, there is hope that City can bounce back. However, the lingering question posed by Henry remains: was it truly wise to let go of players like Palmer, Mahrez, and Álvarez, who are now thriving elsewhere?
For Manchester City, the answers must come sooner rather than later. If their recent struggles continue into the new year, Guardiola may find himself facing even tougher scrutiny, and the decision to part ways with proven goal-scorers could haunt the club’s ambitions in both the domestic league and European competition.
Updated: 11:19, 17 Dec 2024
