“He couldn’t get near anybody” - Jamie Redknapp singles out Manchester City star for stern criticism after 4-0 loss to Tottenham
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has singled out Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for stern criticism. This comes after the 34-year-old German faltered in City's 4-0 Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium earlier today (November 23).
It was a horrible day for the Cityzens, who were sub-par in every area. The clinical brilliance they have often been known for went missing in the night, as they failed to find the net.
James Maddison gave himself a birthday present with an early brace, with his two goals coming in the first 20 minutes (13', 20'). Pedro Porro followed it up with another goal in the 52nd minute, while Brennan Johnson completed the rout in injury time (90+3').
While Manchester City players were second-best against Spurs, Ilkay Gundogan particularly underperformed. Former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp was not pleased with the German midfielder's output on the day, slamming Gundogan on Sky Sports (via TBR Football):
“Gundogan couldn’t get round the pitch, he couldn’t get near anybody. The balance wasn’t right with Foden, Silva and Lewis. The fact you can’t score a goal against the two centre-backs of Davies and Dragusin, that’s the biggest worry. They didn’t have a clinical edge.”
While Gundogan created two chances in the final third, neither of them was finished. He also missed a big chance to find a much-needed goal for Manchester City. In the brunt of the midfield, he struggled to control things, getting dribbled past twice and losing five duels.
Pep Guardiola speaks after Manchester City endure shambolic defeat
Against all odds, Manchester City are on a losing streak, with their last five games going against them. It has all culminated in a 4-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur in front of their fans at the Etihad Stadium.
The shock loss led manager Pep Guardiola to admit that the players were "fragile", telling BBC (via Daily Star):
"We are fragile at the moment, we could not defend properly. We started well, struggled to score and then conceded. Then situation is more difficult... There are not fairy tales in life and sport, sometimes you have to live through these situations."
The manager added:
"You have to accept it. You can't blame each other, stay together, continue to do what we have done. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it."
While the situation looks dire from Manchester City's point of view, they remain in the title race. They currently sit in second place on the Premier League table, after three losses in a row. However, Liverpool — who are first — have a game in hand, and if the Reds win, they will move eight points ahead of City.
