Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016, the team has been defined by its good football and numerous trophies won. Guardiola’s tenure has seen record-breaking seasons and success stories for young players. However, despite the brilliant football and success at the club, some of the worst moments also need to be discussed. Let’s revisit some of Pep Guardiola worst defeats at Manchester City.
Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United (November 11, 2018)
One of the more painful defeats for Guardiola came in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium in 2018. Despite dominating possession and having more chances, City fell to a 2-0 loss against their fierce rivals.
Goals from Anthony Martial and a stunning strike by Paul Pogba left City fans and Guardiola frustrated, highlighting the unpredictability of derby matches.
Manchester City 0-3 Liverpool (January 3, 2022)
Liverpool’s visit to the Etihad in early 2022 was a nightmare for Guardiola’s side. Liverpool dominated the game and displayed an outstanding performance at Etihad to win 3-0 against City. the goals from Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Sadio Mane left city with nothing.
City struggled to cope with Liverpool’s high press and pace, showing how formidable the Reds could be on their day.
Manchester City 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur (April 17, 2021)
In the FA Cup semi-final, Pep and his team were crushed by Tottenham Hotspurs. Despite taking an early lead from an impressive goal by Aymeric Laporte, City was undone by a spirited Spurs side.
A goal from Son Heung-min brought Spurs leveled, then Gareth Bale goal gave away team a 2-1 lead, and a winning goal from Lucas Moura saw Spurs advance to the final, while City’s hopes for domestic cup glory were dashed.
Manchester City 1-2 Lyon (August 15, 2020)
In 2020 Champions League quarter-final, Guardiola and City fell to Lyon dramatically and disappointingly. City, have taken the lad by 1-0 through Kevin De Bruyne, City was stunned by a quick turnaround from Lyon.
Maxwel Cornet and Moussa Dembélé bounced back to give Lyon the win. This defeat was particularly painful as it meant another early exit from Europe’s premier club competition.
Manchester City 0-2 Chelsea (May 29, 2021)
In the 2021 Champions League final, Manchester City’s quest for European glory ended in disappointment. Despite a brilliant season, City fell to Chelsea in a closely contested final.
Kai Havertz’s brace and a solid defensive performance by Chelsea left Guardiola and his team short of the coveted trophy, emphasizing the fine margins in the world’s biggest matches.
Manchester City 2-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers (October 6, 2019)
Wolverhampton Wanderers stunned City with a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Etihad. After taking the lead through a Raheem Sterling goal, City was unable to hold on, conceding late goals to Adama Traoré and others. This defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges City faced against well-organized opposition.
Manchester City 1-2 Newcastle United (January 29, 2020)
In the Carabao Cup semi-final, Newcastle United managed a surprising 2-1 victory over City. Despite a late goal from Sergio Agüero, City couldn’t overturn an earlier deficit, with goals from Hayden and Saint-Maximin proving decisive for the Magpies.
Manchester City 1-4 Liverpool (January 14, 2018)
Liverpool’s 4-1 triumph over City was a heavy blow, particularly given City’s unbeaten run leading into the match. A hat-trick from Roberto Firmino and a goal from Sadio Mane helped Liverpool expose vulnerabilities in City’s defense, marking one of the few times Guardiola’s team was so thoroughly outplayed.
Manchester City 2-3 Arsenal (December 22, 2015)
In a dramatic clash against Arsenal, City’s title hopes were dented with a 3-2 loss. Despite taking an early lead, City succumbed to goals from Olivier Giroud and others. This defeat was part of a series of challenging results during Guardiola’s first season.
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United (December 7, 2019)
Another painful Manchester Derby defeat came in 2019. City’s failure to break down United’s defense, coupled with a decisive goal from Marcus Rashford, left Guardiola’s side empty-handed and highlighted the tough nature of local derbies.
We also saw another Manchester derby in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, where City missed out on winning the FA Cup. Erik ten hag talented teenagers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho won the show with their amazing goals.
Despite the impressive success that Pep Guardiola has brought to Manchester City, these defeats serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of football.
Guardiola’s ability to rebound and adapt in the face of such challenges is part of what makes him one of the most respected coaches in football today.
