Manchester City fight ‘til the end, but problems remain

Manchester City’s last-gasp win against Swansea on Saturday once again hinted at a mental fortitude that could see the Blues finish top of the Premier League pile in May. However, one must wonder why City leave it so late, so often.

It is important that, in considering this win, due credit is given to the way the Blues rallied after conceding a late equaliser to go on and claim all three points in stoppage-time. This team has proven time-and-again this season that they abide by that slightly tired unofficial club motto; “We’re Man City, we fight ‘til the end.” Crystal Palace, Sevilla, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Norwich City had all seen one point turn into none in the final throes of a fixture against City this season, before The Swans undeservedly suffered the same fate.

It is unquestionably a great thing that Manuel Pellegrini’s men are consistently able to push on so late in the game to claim points that will be crucial as the season unfolds. Manchester United were famed for doing exactly that on a regular basis during their glory years. In fact, they did it so often that they earned themselves a cliché; every last minute goal was greeted by a commentator stating, “It’s in their DNA.”

It is great that City have completely taken on that mantle. The regularity of the late goals tells us a few things. It tells us that this is a team hungry for success. Heads do not drop and frustrations do not boil over as the clock ticks past the 90-minute mark. Instead, City push on with the belief that the game is still there to be won. It tells us that this is a side motivated by winning, playing for each other and for the manager. If that was not the case, the frequency of the nerve-shredding victories would not be anything like it currently is.

Despite all of that being the case, one must question why City are struggling to kill teams off in quicker fashion. Take Saturday for example; despite taking the lead in the 26th minute, the Etihad men rarely looked like adding to their advantage. Instead it was the visitors, winless for their previous five games and without a manager, who created the better chances. It was only thanks to yet another fantastic goalkeeping display from Joe Hart that the home side held the lead for as long as they did; nobody could argue when Bafétimbi Gomis leveled the scores in the 90th minute.

Some mitigating factors should be taken into account. The Blues have faced a gruelling schedule recently that appears to be taking its toll on the injury ravaged squad. However, it has been too long since the team controlled a Premier League game from start-to-finish and that needs to be addressed.

Pellegrini has yet to find a way to set up the team effectively without Vincent Kompany or Sergio Agüero. It’s been stated so often that it’s becoming dull to hear about, but that is only the case because it’s true. Without Kompany at the back, there is simply no leadership. Nobody is able to stop Eliaquim Mangala losing position and leaving his team exposed while opponents exploit massive gaps in City’s back line. Without Agüero, there isn’t a striker who can take advantage of the creativity of Silva, De Bruyne and Sterling. Wilfried Bony is finding the net, but City hardly look threatening with him leading the line.

We are often told that to win when not playing well is the hallmark of Champions. The same is said of team’s that have the spirit to snatch victories at the death. It bodes well for Manchester City that they are demonstrating both; whether or not they can win the Premier League will be dependant on how they manage their dip in performance when key players are missing.