Former Russian international Dmitry Bulkin offered his take on Manchester City’s recent stretch of results, noting that the club has not publicly detailed every factor behind the dip in form. He stressed that confidence in a squad can waver when more effort seems necessary to reclaim the level they aspire to, and he pointed to the importance of leadership and accountability from players on the pitch. Bulkin also acknowledged that injuries can disrupt a team’s rhythm, but he argued that the real test is staying focused and cohesive across matches. He emphasized that even in tough periods there are mistakes in any game, and it is the responsibility of the players and the coaching staff to prevent those errors from piling up. The path back to competitiveness, in his view, relies on a sharper collective plan, disciplined training, and a willingness to adapt tactics so every squad member, from veterans to rising talents, can contribute meaningfully.
On February 2, during the 24th round of the Premier League, Arsenal defeated Manchester City in a match that highlighted how quickly momentum can swing. Arsenal opened the scoring through Martin Elegor, setting the tone for a decisive afternoon. In the 55th minute Erling Holand drew City level, restoring parity and reigniting the belief that the visitors could still turn the game in their favor. Yet the home side would not ride the wave for long. At 56 minutes Thomas Party found the net to push Arsenal back ahead, and at 62 Miles Lewis-Skelli added a third. The visitors pressed, and at 76 minutes Kai Haverts extended the advantage. In stoppage time, at 90 plus three, Ethan Nwaneri added a late goal that sealed a memorable victory for Arsenal. The result sparked renewed discussion about Manchester Citys capacity to withstand late pressure and the overall resilience required to compete in a crowded league season that demands consistency across matches and opponents.
Earlier in the season, Real Madrid clashed with Manchester City in the Champions League, a fixture that underscored the intensity of Citys campaign and the pressure that comes with balancing domestic duties and European ambition. Those high-stakes meetings served as a reminder that City must manage a demanding schedule while maintaining quality across multiple fronts. The encounters underscored the importance of depth, tactical planning, and mental toughness as the club navigates a season filled with crucial league games and significant continental challenges. For fans and analysts, the sequence of results in these competitions has been a gauge of Citys ability to sustain performance under pressure and to respond effectively when critical tests arise on footballs biggest stages.