There is an elephant in the room in regards to Manchester City’s attacking play

At this Manchester City’s attacking play is lacking any real threat. Last night Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession against Juventus. But they couldn’t turn that into a victory as they went down to a 2-nil defeat to Thiago Motta’s side. The loss now leaves Manchester City precariously placed in the Champions League league phase table. There are issues all over the pitch for the world champions. But one in particular is fast becoming an elephant in the room.

Manchester City’s attacking play is largely ineffective currently. They lack any cutting edge or creativity in the final third. That stood out last night at the Allianz Stadium. Jeremy Doku tried last night and, on occasion, was City’s most dangerous player. But the only consistent threat to the Juventus defence last night was Kevin De Bruyne. He did all he could last night although his radar was off with his shots and his final delivery.

But without De Bruyne what threat do Manchester City currently provide? Erling Haaland needs service and that’s what De Bruyne provides. He created Haaland’s only chance of the game in the first half last night. But where else does City’s attacking threat come from? Jack Grealish toiled away last night but didn’t offer a lot going forward. Bernardo Silva played a similar game to that of Grealish. Ilkay Gundogan had several shots as he drifted into dangerous areas. But his efforts on goal usually came from De Bruyne’s play. Gundogan couldn’t thread a defence splitting ball last night. Doku tried, and at times, he dazzled and on others he frustrated. Savinho came on late but didn’t offer a lot during his time on the pitch.

But the elephant in the room is if De Bruyne isn’t at the heart of Manchester City’s attacking play what are the other options? That’s an indictment on De Bruyne’s teammates. They have the talent and ability to create going forward, but for whatever reason, they aren’t. Manchester City can’t rely on De Bruyne forever as he is coming to the end of his illustrious City career. So someone or several players need to step up and help De Bruyne. He carries a heavy burden, and at his age, he needs support. It can’t be De Bruyne or bust in the same token that it can’t be Erling Haaland or bust for Pep Guardiola’s side. That’s another issue that needs addressing in the catalogue of issues Manchester City currently face.

There is an over reliance on Kevin De Bruyne to provide the creative spark for Manchester City. That is clear to see. He is still capable of providing it but he needs support. It has now become another elephant in the room for the world champions. There are now several elephants crowding that room for Pep Guardiola’s side. They need to find solutions before the problems we currently see stretch past breaking point. They may already have based on City’s recent results.