Manchester City faced a humiliating 2-0 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, marking their first home loss in this competition in a staggering seven years. While some might chalk it up to bad luck or a bad day at the office, the truth is far more unsettling: this defeat reveals alarming cracks in a squad that has long been touted as invincible.

City's head coach, Pep Guardiola, made the baffling decision to overhaul his lineup, making ten changes for a crucial match against a formidable Bundesliga side. The absence of key figures like Rodri was painfully obvious as the team struggled to defend against Leverkusen's lightning-fast counter-attacks, leading to two well-deserved goals for the visitors. It was a classic case of a team caught off guard, lacking the firepower to exploit the weaknesses they should have easily capitalized on.

Guardiola's post-match admission, “Maybe ten changes was too much,” raises eyebrows,did he really think such a radical alteration could work against a team fighting for European glory? This miscalculation is not just a bad decision; it highlights a dangerous trend of overconfidence that could jeopardize City’s season.

Once upon a time, City’s depth was the envy of the football world, with world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones waiting in the wings. But now, with a roster filled with stars yet seemingly devoid of cohesion, questions arise: Can this team handle injuries and fatigue? The sting of defeat against Leverkusen, especially with a grueling schedule ahead, might just be the wake-up call they desperately need.

Critics are calling out City’s alarming reliance on Erling Haaland, whose impact was sorely missed during this match. Even as a substitute, he registered the highest expected goals (xG) of 0.62 in just 25 minutes of play, proving he is the backbone of City's attack. Without him, the team appeared directionless, further fueling claims that their scoring options are painfully limited.

As the season drags on, City faces a punishing schedule, putting Guardiola in a precarious position of choosing between the Premier League and the Champions League. With Arsenal already seven points ahead in the league, Guardiola's prioritization of the upcoming match against Leeds was glaringly apparent in his lineup. He was quoted admitting that catching up with Arsenal would be “difficult” if they extend their lead, but after this loss, City’s focus on European competition may shift dramatically.

The irony here is palpable. The last time City suffered such a humiliating defeat at home was in September 2018, when Guardiola was banned from the touchline. Since then, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta has transformed into a managerial powerhouse, steering his team to be serious contenders for the Champions League. Meanwhile, City’s current squad appears to lack the depth and adaptability that Arteta has instilled at Arsenal, exposing the stark differences between these two rivals.

As Guardiola grapples with these pressing issues, the defeat to Leverkusen serves as a loud alarm bell. It’s time for a serious reassessment of squad management and an urgent need to diversify scoring options. The road ahead is riddled with challenges, and how City navigates these treacherous waters will determine not just their fate in domestic competitions but their legacy in European football.