Six losses in their last eight Premier League matches—an almost unthinkable statistic for Manchester City. Just a few seasons ago, this same team didn’t lose more than five matches in an entire league campaign. During their 2020–21 title-winning season, City lost six matches in total. Now, they’ve already matched that figure in just 17 games. Adding to their struggles, City has won only one of their last eight league matches and has accumulated just 27 points from these 17 games.
Currently, they trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points, despite having played two more matches. Even the most optimistic City fans are beginning to question if their team can retain the title this season.
Instead of focusing on City’s chances of defending their crown, discussions have shifted toward how poorly they might finish the season. Comparisons are being drawn between City and some of the worst-performing title-defending teams in Premier League history, such as Manchester United (2013–14), Blackburn Rovers (1995–96), Chelsea (2015–16), and Leicester City (2016–17).
Defending Champions with Poor League Standings
- Leicester City (2016–17): Finished 12th
Leicester’s title-winning campaign in 2015–16 was nothing short of miraculous. However, their success proved to be a “one-season wonder.” The following season, coach Claudio Ranieri was sacked in February, and Leicester barely escaped relegation. They finished 12th, winning 12 matches and losing 18. City, with their strong start this season (eight wins in their first nine matches), is likely to avoid a similar fate.
Biggest Point Gap with New Champions
- Leicester City (2016–17): 49-Point Gap
Leicester’s drop in 2016–17 remains a record low for defending champions. They finished the season with just 44 points, while Chelsea claimed the title with 93—creating a staggering 49-point gap. For comparison, City currently trails Liverpool by nine points after 17 matches, with the eventual champion yet to be determined.
Biggest Points Drop Compared to Previous Season
- Chelsea (2015–16): -37 Points
Chelsea suffered a massive 37-point decline after their 2014–15 title win, dropping from 87 points to just 50. Leicester matched this decline in 2016–17, falling from 81 points to 44. To avoid such an embarrassing record, City, who earned 91 points last season, must finish this campaign with at least 55 points—requiring 28 points from their remaining 21 matches. Considering their current form, this seems like a tough challenge.
Decline in Goals Scored
- Chelsea (2010–11): 34 Fewer Goals
Chelsea scored 103 goals in their 2009–10 title-winning campaign but managed just 69 the following season, a decline of 34 goals. City scored 96 goals last season but has only managed 31 in 17 matches so far. To avoid falling below Chelsea’s record, City must score at least 32 goals in their remaining 21 matches.
Current Standings After 17 Matches
City currently sits sixth in the table with 27 points after 17 matches. Last season, they had 34 points at this stage and were fourth in the table, trailing Arsenal by four points. Despite eventually overcoming that deficit to win the title, this season’s situation looks far grimmer.
By comparison, Leicester City and Chelsea hold the worst records as defending champions at this stage. In 2016–17, Leicester was 15th with 17 points after 17 matches. Chelsea, a season earlier, was also 15th with 18 points. Leicester’s 26-point gap from the league leaders after 17 matches remains the biggest in Premier League history, while City currently trails Liverpool by nine points, albeit with two more matches played.
City’s struggles this season have invited criticism and comparisons to some of the most disappointing title defenses in history. Whether Pep Guardiola’s team can salvage their season or risk further humiliation remains to be seen.
