Manchester City Slump Continues as Haaland Misses

Manchester City suffered a rare third consecutive defeat as incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim bid an unforgettable farewell to Sporting’s home fans with a thrilling 4-1 victory. This marked the first time Pep Guardiola’s side has endured such a streak since 2018. In one of City’s heaviest losses since 2020, star striker Erling Haaland missed a crucial second-half penalty, compounding City’s frustrations.

Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, formerly of Coventry City led the charge with a sensational hat-trick, capitalizing on Phil Foden’s early opener to level in the 38th minute. Gyokeres then coolly netted two penalties in the second half after Maximiliano Araujo’s strike seconds after the break put Sporting ahead. The Lisbon crowd erupted at full-time with many calling it the crowning moment of Amorim’s tenure, which concludes at Braga on Sunday.

Reflecting on the night, Amorim expressed pride in giving Sporting fans a memorable parting gift. For Guardiola, City’s struggles continue amid injury concerns with 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey making his senior start in central defense. Although Foden’s fourth goal of the season initially gave City an edge, missed opportunities to extend the lead proved costly.

Haaland’s penalty miss highlighted a personal slump, having failed to score in four of his last six games. Gyokeres, whose name was previously linked with United, now boasts 66 goals for Sporting, including 12 in his last six matches. Although the Swedish forward initially missed early chances, he proved his worth with a decisive performance.

Amorim has vowed not to recruit Sporting players to United in January, a relief for Sporting fans savoring the club’s current momentum amid an impressive seven-game winning streak.