Manchester City faced a decisive 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend, intensifying questions about the team’s midfield and overall readiness under new manager Enzo Maresca. The loss, coming just as the new Premier League season begins, has highlighted the challenges Maresca faces in his first few weeks in charge as he seeks to maintain the high standards set by Pep Guardiola.
Maresca, appointed to succeed Guardiola, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings following the match and reiterated the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes. “We have it quite clear what we need to do, and for sure we are going to do something,” he said, emphasizing that the squad remains incomplete. City is set to play its season opener against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The preseason fixtures in Asia suggested a continuation of Guardiola’s possession-oriented style but with an increased tempo, relying on fast passing and individual skill from wide players. However, the Community Shield displayed a more hesitant approach, particularly through a midfield that appeared unsettled and unable to impose itself, while the build-up play was often slow and lacked precision.
Maresca identified key defensive errors early in the game that contributed to Arsenal’s quick advantage, conceding the first goal just 25 seconds in and criticizing the team’s lack of pressure on the ball leading up to the second. Defenders Abdoukir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma were all involved in lapses that allowed Arsenal’s Riccardo Califari, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard to capitalize.
A primary concern is the absence of several key midfield players, many of whom returned late from World Cup breaks, which has affected the team's cohesion. Additionally, with the departure of Rodri and Tijani Beijnders, and the exit of Renardo at the end of last season, City’s midfield lacks both experience and depth. The club is reportedly close to signing 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, seen as a potential Rodri successor, though his youth means expectations must be tempered.
The acquisition of Enzo Fernandez has proven controversial among fans, both for his past off-field conduct and his style of play. Maresca envisions Fernández operating in a more advanced midfield role rather than a defensive one. Concerns remain regarding his defensive work rate and the physical demands of the Premier League, especially given Maresca’s tactical preference for wingers pressing opposition center backs, which places additional defensive responsibility on the midfield.
Maresca’s preferred 3-2 formation when building from the back represents a shift from Guardiola’s more fluid and adaptable build-up patterns, which relied heavily on the creativity of players like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ilkay Gündogan. The more structured approach carries the risk of becoming predictable to opponents, potentially limiting City’s ability to break down organized defenses.
Despite these early difficulties, City’s squad includes players who appear well-suited to Maresca’s emphasis on individual battles and physicality. Young talents such as Nico O’Reilly could emerge as important contributors, particularly as attacking weapons from wide defensive positions.
While doubts persist regarding the team’s identity and effectiveness in the post-Guardiola era, it remains early in Maresca’s tenure. With time to integrate new signings and refine tactics, Manchester City will aim to address its clear midfield vulnerabilities ahead of a demanding Premier League campaign.