After back-to-back Premier League defeats, it seems that a host of factors have conspired against Manchester City. Poor finishing, defensive errors and a lack of synergy on the pitch have seen Enzo Maresca’s side lose their past two Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Brighton. Several City players have also dropped off in terms of their performance. Josko Gvardiol at left-back is one of those players. Like Marc Guehi, it does seem that Gvardiol could do with a rest and now it should be time for Nico O’Reilly to step in at left-back.
Josko Gvardiol has struggled defensively for Manchester City in their past two matches.Manchester City haven’t been at their best in their past two Premier League matches. Although Enzo Maresca’s side did enough to potentially win against Aston Villa and Brighton it wasn’t to be. The factors as to why have been mentioned above. Another contributing factor has been that several of Manchester City’s players have not been at their best. One of those has been Josko Gvardiol.
As Manchester City fell to a 1-0 defeat to Brighton, a host of their key players were below their best. Much like they were against Aston Villa. Josko Gvardiol hasn’t been rock solid defensively in either game. Aston Villa’s winning goal came via an Ibrahim Mbaye cross after the Aston Villa winger was found in space on the right which Gvardiol could not get back to cover. Against Brighton, Gvardiol failed to close down Maxim De Cuyper as the Brighton winger played in the cross which led to their winner at the Etihad Stadium.
Neither of Gvardiol’s defensive efforts were catastrophic. They did seem to be more a product of a player being 5-10% below their best. Marc Guehi has suffered from fatigue, which has seen his performances dip. Josko Gvardiol could be suffering from a similar issue. Gvardiol did miss a significant chunk of last season due to a serious leg injury. With his slight dip in form, you do wonder if Guardiol could do with a rest. He did have a break after Manchester City’s loss to Aston Villa, however, maybe it is time for Enzo Maresca to go with another player at left-back for a game or two.
Perhaps it is time for Nico O’Reilly to step in at left-back to offer a different dynamic for Enzo Maresca’s side.Fortunately, Manchester City have Nico O’Reilly waiting in the wings. The England international has suffered from a back injury during the early stages of this season. O’Reilly is now fit and perhaps it is time for him to slot in at left-back.
Nico O’Reilly was arguably Manchester City’s player of the season last season, playing at left-back. His impressive form earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad last summer. So far this season, O’Reilly hasn’t made the impact he would have liked. A back injury in the warm-up before Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Coventry City set him back, and O’Reilly did look tired after a busy 2025-26 season plus the World Cup.
Final thoughts.Manchester City wouldn’t lose anything going forward with Nico O’Reilly at left-back over Gvardiol. Both players excel in possession and are a goal threat in different ways. Perhaps in this scenario while Gvardiol has a game or two on the bench, Nico O’Reilly could also get back into form. That would be ideal if that was to take place.
Josko Gvardiol hasn’t been at his best in Manchester City’s past two Premier League matches. Perhaps it is time for Nico O’Reilly to start at left-back to give Gvardiol a minor rest and help strengthen Manchester City’s defence. Or Josko Gvardiol could slide across to centre-back and Nico O’Reilly come in at left-back. Either idea has merit and may be a move for Enzo Maresca to consider.