Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Manchester City’s recent struggles have exposed a lack of confidence within Pep Guardiola’s squad, claiming fear has crept into a team that once looked unbeatable.
The defending champions have endured a disappointing run of form, slipping to seventh in the Premier League standings after a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Softfootball understands City have managed just one victory in their last 12 matches, leaving them 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool and facing an uphill battle to retain the title.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Keown said:
If you look at Man City, what we’re seeing now is almost unprecedented. They need to look now and readjust and maybe look at what is a realistic thing for them to achieve. They can’t fall out of the top four.
The former Arsenal defender also pointed to City’s defensive frailties as a major concern compared to previous seasons.
Their defenders who were unbeatable last year, now I can smell fear amongst their players. Against Villa there was definitely a fear on the pitch, and that’s got to be eradicated,
Keown added.
