This is currently a slightly worse season for Pep Guardiola because Manchester City are performing below the standard of play they have shown in previous seasons. I see Haaland unable to do something different and clearly this dependence will not benefit the team. The draw obtained by Manchester City makes Liverpool more comfortable in first place in the standings and this is a great opportunity for Liverpool to continue to move away. What big difference has happened so that Manchester City have performed inconsistently this season, even though if you look at it, only a few players are injured and it should not really affect Manchester City's overall performance.
Actually, at the start of the season we saw Man City playing very well. And even Haaland continued to score quite a lot of goals in every match at the start of the season. But after a few weeks passed, Man City started to get worse and Haaland started to become unproductive. It all started when Rodri was injured. After Rodri was injured, this team really experienced a decline in performance. I don't know why one player can have such a big impact on Man City. Even though when De Bruyne was injured we didn't see this much decline in performance. But because Rodri is a defensive midfielder and maybe this is the reason why Man City is even worse at defending now. Because the players connecting the back line currently cannot replace Rodri's role well.
The draw this time really disappointed me. because I thought this team had bounced back. But I have to take back my words.
Yes, of course this season is a big test for Manchester City and Pep because their hopes of winning the title again seem to be difficult because there is definitely a slight decline in performance. Yes, I personally am also surprised by what happened to Manchester City this season and with the squad that Manchester City currently has, Manchester City should be better this season, especially with Ilkay Gundogan returning to play for Manchester City, then Manchester City's performance should be better now.
Indeed, Rodri's injury does not necessarily mean that Manchester City's performance will decrease, but yes, this is the reality that Rodri's presence is really needed, the proof is that now there is a difference in the quality of Manchester City's game which ultimately makes it difficult for Manchester City to win when competing. and it's true what you said, it seems like there isn't currently a suitable player to replace Rodri, maybe that's something Pep should think about.
Indeed, now with the draw between Manchester and Crystal Palace, of course M. Salah and his friends will definitely be happy and Arne will definitely want to make good history for himself and Arne will prove that he is a good coach, now Liverpool and Manchester City have a difference of 8 points and Of course, it is not easy for Manchester City to catch Liverpool's points.