Manchester City’s struggles deepened as they suffered a punishing 4-1 loss to Sporting CP, led by incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who ended his Lisbon tenure on a high note in his final home game.
City, now with three consecutive defeats, saw their form falter in a game marked by defensive gaps and missed opportunities.
The Cityzens started strong, with Phil Foden putting them ahead early. The momentum seemed to favour Guardiola's men, but Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres soon took charge, delivering a hat-trick that dismantled City’s defence.
The Swedish striker equalised in the 38th minute before scoring two second-half penalties, capitalising on City’s vulnerable backline. Maximiliano Araujo's quick strike immediately after the break put Sporting ahead, and City’s attempts to respond fell short, with Erling Haaland missing a crucial penalty that might have swung the game back in their favour.
With key defenders sidelined, Guardiola fielded 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in a high-stakes starting debut. Although the youngster battled admirably, Gyokeres’ clinical finishing exposed City’s defensive inexperience. Manuel Akanji’s injury scare briefly added to City’s woes, though the Swiss defender ultimately finished the game.
Pep Guardiola acknowledged the intensity of the match, noting that Sporting’s aggression and preparation left City unable to respond effectively. Meanwhile, Amorim praised his team’s determination and celebrated a fitting farewell victory that fans in Lisbon are unlikely to forget.
As City contend with mounting injuries and an uncharacteristic losing streak, Guardiola will look to rally his squad. For Sporting, the night marked an unforgettable send-off for their manager as he heads to the Premier League.
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