Sean Dyche is on the verge of an unwanted milestone following his team’s recent defeat to Manchester City, marking his 17th match against manager Pep Guardiola without a victory. The match ended with a score of 2-0, leaving Dyche with a record of 0 wins, 2 draws, and 15 losses against Guardiola. This dismal streak ties the longest record of its kind, previously established by Steve Bruce against Sir Alex Ferguson.
As Manchester City’s momentum continues in the title race, they have now secured eight consecutive victories in all competitions. This winning streak is the longest for City’s side since a remarkable run of 11 wins between December 2023 and February 2024. The team’s latest triumph also marked their 11th consecutive win when they score first in a match.
City took control early in the game, with a decisive goal from Julián Álvarez in the 48th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Mateo Kovačić later sealed the victory with a second goal in the 83rd minute. Despite the win, the match showcased stark contrasts, particularly with City holding their opponents to no shots on target for the first time in 22 appearances across all competitions.
This was a notable statistic for City, as the last time they were unable to register a shot on target was back in August 2023 against Newcastle United. Although Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact, the match saw other players stepping up. Yunus Musah scored for the second consecutive game, marking a personal best for him at Manchester City. Additionally, Rayan Cherki made headlines by recording both a goal and an assist for the first time in the Premier League, bringing him level with Mohammed Kudus at the top of the league’s assist charts, with both players now having seven assists this season.
As Dyche prepares for his next encounter with Guardiola, he will undoubtedly be keen to break this streak. The pressure is mounting as he faces the possibility of setting an unwanted record, which could weigh heavily on his tenure as manager.
The upcoming matches will be critical as Dyche seeks to turn the tide against one of the most formidable managers in the game. With City continuing to dominate, the challenge ahead remains daunting for Dyche and his team.
