Following Manchester City’s disappointing 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa, a BBC pundit, Martin Keown, criticized the team’s performance, particularly focusing on the £180,000-per-week player, Manuel Akanji. The loss, one of City’s poorest displays under Pep Guardiola, raised concerns among fans after previous draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Keown attributed City’s struggles to the absence of Rodri, who was suspended for the match, leaving John Stones and Manuel Akanji in holding midfield roles. Akanji, normally a center-back, has been occasionally utilized in midfield this season, prompting mixed opinions on his suitability for the position. Keown, commenting on Match of the Day, expressed doubts about Akanji’s comfort in the midfield role, stating, “Akanji in midfield didn’t look comfortable.”
The pundit questioned City’s recent form, noting their lack of control over the game and suggesting they have lost the ability to dominate as in previous seasons. He highlighted concerns about City’s performance, labeling it a “mini-crisis” for Pep Guardiola.
Despite Akanji’s struggles in the match, the pundit acknowledged the player’s overall contribution since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. Akanji, known for his ball-playing skills, faces uncertainty in his role as a hybrid defender-midfielder. Keown commented on Akanji’s physicality compared to Stones and his less graceful movement, raising doubts about his continued deployment further up the field.
The verdict on Akanji’s effectiveness in the midfield role remains uncertain, with the pundit emphasizing that City’s recent poor form extends beyond individual performances. The defeat against Aston Villa marked City’s fourth consecutive winless game, amplifying concerns about their ability to regain dominance in matches.
