Psychological uncertainty and tactics - assessing the issues at Man City

Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson, both costing Manchester City over £100 million in the summer, have contributed to the club's recent struggles. The team, which enjoyed a record-breaking seven-game winning streak at the start of the Premier League season, now find themselves six points behind league leaders Arsenal after three consecutive defeats.

Sports psychologist Dr Paul McCarthy, who has worked with top clubs worldwide, suggests psychological issues may be playing a role in City's decline. With uncertainty over the ongoing financial regulations breach and the potential sanctions, players may be experiencing reduced collective efficacy, leading to a lack of perceived control and increased stress. This uncertainty could be making it harder for the squad to maintain their focus and performance on the pitch.

Defensively, City have conceded 13 goals in their last 10 league games, their highest total since 2008-09. This has exposed defensive issues and led to costly individual mistakes. Anderson, who tends to step out of his holding midfield role to press opponents, has found himself exposed in the middle when more physical opponents have dragged him out of position.

With the team's shape often resembling a 3-1-5-1 or 3-1-6 formation, Anderson's role has become increasingly challenging, particularly when City's midfield lacks the physicality to support him effectively.