“The natural state of the football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score.” Well said by renowned English author Nick Hornby in his book Fever Pitch (2005). This sentiment perfectly sums up that no matter how much teams strive to win, dissatisfaction and frustration are constant among their supporters. So, we can only imagine why Manchester City’s poor form has seen its own fanbase turning their backs against Pep Guardiola—something Tim Howard is ‘not buying.’

What Nick Hornby wrote was an irony in a team’s perfect win and the fans’ constant disappointment. However, in this case, one can argue that City supporters’ frustration toward the Sky Blues is genuine, as they have endured 5 defeats and 2 draws in their last 7 matches across all competitions. While the fans have every right to be agitated by poor results, not supporting the very man who has given them everything over the years doesn’t sit well with Howard.

“I just look at City and I think, ‘What is going to come of this team?'” began the former USMNT goalkeeper on the latest podcast episode of Unfiltered Soccer, which he co-hosts alongside Landon Donovan. Citing the booing incident that transpired at full-time during last midweek Champions League clash against Feyenoord that ended in a 3-3 draw, Tim slammed City fans, stating, “By the way, it was a draw that felt like a loss but shame on you City fans for booing.”

Reminding the Cityzens about their own hypocrisy, the former Manchester United and Everton shot-stopper added, “Because I know for a fact, that I have watched European nights at City. There have been a lot of light blue seats empty. You don’t think you have the right to boo a team whose given these successes.”

Howard took a dig at City fans for not showing up in a few games, thinking, “It’s not really that good of a team and we’re just expecting to get to the next round.” He criticized Man City supporters for not backing Guardiola during his team’s lowest point. “I’m not buying those boos but the fact of the matter is this feels like big trouble for City,” concluded the former USA No. 1.

To be fair, Howard is right to stand up for Guardiola and City, despite the crisis they are going through. Then again, it’s about improvising and adapting, merely a rough patch that apparently seems to have ended now.

The curse is finally broken for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola

Last night, the reigning Premier League champions were back on the winning track, securing a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku. This win keeps them in fourth place on the table with 26 points. However, a 9-point gap remains between them and leaders Liverpool, who sit comfortably with 35 points. Liverpool also maintain a 7-point lead over Chelsea and Arsenal, who are tied at 28 points.

However, City fans may still eye the panic button when looking at the Champions League. Despite victories over Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Praha, a draw against Inter and Feyenoord, and receiving a 4-0 thrashing from Sporting CP, City’s European case is marred as they currently sit in 17th place with just 8 points in hand in the 30-team table.

Perhaps the latest win in the Premier League will uplift their spirits and set things on the right course—at least enough to begin regaining the confidence of the fans!