The end of an era has arrived at Manchester City now it’s about building towards the next one | OneFootball

As Manchester City went down to a 2-nil defeat to Liverpool at Anfield you did get the sense that an era is ending. Pep Guardiola’s side has become the dominant force in English football over the past seven seasons. Winning six Premier League titles in seven seasons and every trophy available during that time speaks to the success achieved by this City squad. But come the final whistle at Anfield, you did get the sense that City’s era is almost over. Now it’s about building towards the next one for the world champions.

After Liverpool’s opening onslaught, Pep Guardiola’s side did grow into the game. They dominated possession for large periods but just lacked any cutting edge to get back into the game. Arne Slot’s side looked the younger and hungrier team throughout today’s match. Manchester City’s warriors tried to fight their way back into the game. But as the game wore on you could see that some of the Manchester City players just can’t drag themselves over the line.

Players such as Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and even Kevin De Bruyne look like their minds are willing but their bodies are not. They tried to will the world champions back into today’s game at Anfield but they just couldn’t do it. In the case of Walker, Bernardo and Gundogan they tried all they could today from the start. But they just look like this season is one battle too many. Kevin De Bruyne’s situation is a different one entirely. Manchester City needed him today more than ever. The fact he didn’t come on until City were 2-nil down with 10 minutes to go does seem telling.

Across City’s seven-game winless run, you do see the signs that every ounce of energy has now been squeezed out of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Manchester City’s most experienced players have been warriors for the club. Their legacies are secured. But eventually, eras do end. It’s an unfortunate part of football but that’s the nature of the game. Young and hungry challengers are coming for City’s crown. Based on recent results and performances this Manchester City squad just aren’t capable of picking themselves up for another fight.

Does today’s result mean Manchester City’s season is over? Of course not. There is still plenty to play for as the Premier League season is only 13 games old. There is still the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and of course the Premier League to fight for. But you do now get the sense that it’s time for the world champions to start building towards their next era of dominance. Whether that’s new signings in January or shuffling this squad around that time looks to have arrived.

Manchester City now sit 11 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table. That isn’t an insurmountable gap given how early it is in the season. But watching today’s game unfold you do get the sense that an era is ending at Manchester City. Now it’s about building towards the next one. That is the overwhelming feeling I took out of today’s match.