Reasons Manchester City have struggled this season

Manchester City again throw points when visiting Newcastle headquarters in the Premier League continued. Josep Guardiola's troops only drew 2-2 at St James' Park

The draw is certainly bad for City. However, what is more worrying, of course, is the team's performance which is not as good as usual.

The defending champion seems to appear below standard this season. Even worse, these results widen the distance City from league leaders Liverpool.

Liverpool are able to take advantage of the draw achieved by City. They are now 11 points clear of City after their win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

With this current performance, City has the potential to lose their Premier League titles. Liverpool drove very fast and City are under pressure to pursue them.

Here are three reasons why Manchester City have experienced difficulties this season

Player injury

The most important and obvious reason is the injury to players like Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane. After Kompany's departure and City were unable to replace him, Laporte became important for his team this season.

Laporte is very reliable in the defense and unfortunately City do not have enough depth for the back line. In almost all other areas, they can handle injuries but not for central defender positions.

Benjamin Mendy's injury is also a problem and the Frenchman has returned this season. He has lost his speed, his cross looks below standard, and his defense and operative aspects are also questionable.

Maybe it's time for City to accept that Mendy has been a bad purchase. Leroy Sane was also greatly missed after entering the treatment room for a long time.

Lack of player intensity

Guardiola often prepares his team to play smooth and attractive football. However, one of its advantages is its intensity which can complicate any team.

The energy they exert seemed to have gone down. Maybe the manager can't motivate the players like before.

Don't forget that these players play for two seasons with high intensity. Maybe the manager can't get the best from them anymore.

There is no plan B

Now you could say a number of teams have found a way to play against Manchester City. Significant City threats often come from areas that wing when players like Raheem Sterling, David Silva or Kevin De Bruyne are in a position between center back and fullback and try to rip off defenses.

The taps of goals coming through the cutback pass have dried up this season because the opposing team covered the gap between fullback and center back. Guardiola's men can hardly threaten from set pieces or crosses, and they don't seem to have a plan B when things get harder.

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