Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

The new year has just begun, and Manchester City has ushered in a busy schedule.

In the 20th round of the Premier League, Manchester City finally won this away game with a score of 2:1 thanks to Li Lei's excellent performance.

But the busy schedule has just begun. Three days later, they will usher in the first round of the League Cup semi-finals, and their opponent is Everton, who is also very strong.

Maybe the continuous high-intensity games made the players tired, or maybe the pressure of the Premier League made it difficult for them to devote themselves wholeheartedly. Manchester City performed a little abnormally in this game.

Their passing errors increased, and their cooperation was no longer smooth.

Everton, on the other hand, seized every opportunity and continued to attack.

In the end, Manchester City lost the game with a score of 1:2.

This is a big setback, but they know that there is still a chance for the second round, and the second round will be played at home, which will undoubtedly bring advantages to Manchester City.

Two days later, they ushered in the FA Cup.

The opponent is Norwich, a team from the next level league.

In this game, Manchester City players did not make the same low-level mistakes as in the previous game. They relied on smooth offense and tight defense.

In the end, they easily won the game with a score of 3:0.

In January, England was cold and windy, but the heat of the Premier League was not reduced at all.

Manchester City ended a four-game away game and finally returned to the warm Etihad Stadium.

On January 14, in the 21st round of the Premier League, the Blue Moon once again faced the visiting Everton.

In the game, Manchester City had the advantage on the field, but facing Everton's tenacious defense, they could not break the opponent's goal.

Li Lei continued to create threats in the frontcourt, but his shots were resolved by the opponent's goalkeeper again and again.

After 90 minutes of fierce battle, the two sides shook hands and made peace 0:0. This is the last two games Manchester City has not won against Everton.

On January 26, in the 22nd round of the Premier League, Manchester City played against Crystal Palace at home and staged a goal feast.

At the beginning of the game, the Blue Moon launched a fierce attack.

Only 8 minutes into the game, De Bruyne made a wonderful assist and Li Lei scored with a push shot.

Then Silva and Sterling scored successively, and Li Lei also had two penalty opportunities.

In the end, Manchester City won 4:0 and continued to lead the standings.

But the test of the devil's schedule has just begun. On January 24, in the 23rd round, Manchester City will challenge West Ham United away.

In the game, the two sides went back and forth. Li Lei helped the team take the lead twice, but the Hammers stubbornly tied the score and finally ended with a 2:2 draw.

In recent rounds, Manchester City has lost points to weak teams one after another, giving the pursuers behind them a glimpse of hope.

After 23 rounds, Manchester City leads with 55 points, but their advantage is being gradually eroded.

Manchester City's recent performance in the Premier League has attracted the attention and discussion of major British media, and they have analyzed and reported on Manchester City's situation.

The Guardian pointed out: "Although Manchester City still leads the standings, their performance of losing points to weak teams is worrying."

"This team seems to lack the dominance of the past. There are some loopholes in their defense, and the offense is not as sharp as before."

"Guardiola needs to find a solution as soon as possible, otherwise Manchester City's road to the championship will face severe challenges."

The Times analysis said: "Manchester City's recent performance has fluctuated greatly, which is in sharp contrast to the dominance they showed at the beginning of the season."

"Li Lei, as the core of the team, although his personal performance is excellent, he still cannot carry the team's offensive banner alone."

"Manchester City needs more players to stand up and share the pressure for the team."

"At the same time, they must regain the stability of defense as soon as possible and reduce unnecessary points."

The Daily Mail mentioned: "Manchester City's current situation is Some embarrassment, on the one hand they still occupy the top position in the standings, on the other hand they frequently lose points to some weak teams. "

"This gives hope to the pursuers behind them. Manchester City must adjust its status as soon as possible to avoid falling into a passive position. "

"Although Li Lei performed well, he also needs the support and cooperation of his teammates. "

"Only when the gears of the team are re-engaged can Manchester City get back on track. "

"Sky Sports reported: "Manchester City's recent performance has attracted people's attention, and they seem to have fallen into a small trough. "

"But we must not forget that this team has an excellent coach and many world-class stars, and they have the ability to overcome difficulties. "

"As the Chinese superstar of the team, Li Lei shoulders a huge responsibility. He needs to continue to maintain excellent performance and lead Manchester City out of the predicament. "

"I believe that under Guardiola's training, Manchester City will be able to regain its competitiveness as soon as possible,Fight for the Premier League title. "

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"As a die-hard Manchester City fan, I am very disappointed with the team's recent performance. How can they keep losing points to weak teams? Guardiola needs to adjust his tactics as soon as possible, otherwise the championship will be gone!"

"Don't be too pessimistic. Manchester City is just facing some difficulties temporarily. They will eventually return to the top! I believe Guardiola and the players can overcome the difficulties, and Li Lei will definitely continue to perform well!"

Li Lei's recent performance is really great! He is simply the savior of Manchester City! Without his goals and assists, Manchester City may not even get a draw. I think Li Lei is fully capable of competing for the Golden Ball Award!"

"Don't blow Li Lei up. Although he has scored a lot of goals, sometimes he is too Individual heroism, Manchester City is a team, can not rely on only one person, Li Lei still needs to work harder on teamwork. "

"As Manchester City fans, we must maintain confidence in the team! No team can always maintain its peak state, and low periods are inevitable. "

"I believe that Manchester City's strength is still there, and they will find their form again. "

"Li Lei must continue to work hard and not be affected by external doubts. "

"I think Manchester City's recent problems are not all on Li Lei, and the performance of the back line needs to be improved. I hope Guardiola can adjust the team's state as soon as possible. "

At the Manchester City training base, the wind was cold and the players had just finished a high-intensity training.

De Bruyne and Li Lei walked side by side on the sidelines, discussing the team's recent game status.

"Oh! God! Our recent games are like dog shit in winter, smelly and hard!" De Bruyne's tone was full of frustration and dissatisfaction.

As the core of Manchester City's midfield, he was very disappointed with the team's performance.

Li Lei patted De Bruyne on the shoulder, trying to comfort him: "The recent season is too intense, and everyone's condition has declined to some extent."

"Continuous games do not give us enough time to rest and adjust, which is a huge challenge for any team."

De Bruyne sighed and frowned: "The arrangement of the English Football Association is simply exploiting the players. They are simply the embodiment of the devil."

"Look at other leagues, they have already had a holiday, and the players can have a good rest and adjust their condition."

"But what about us? We still have to continue running in the cold wind and fighting with our opponents. This is simply inhumane!"