Whether a defeat has significant consequences depends not just on the match itself, but also on what follows.
For example, after Manchester United were humiliated 0-9 at home by Leeds United, they went on to draw three consecutive matches: 2-2 away to Leicester City, 1-1 at home against Wolves, and 2-2 at home against Aston Villa.
As a result, after 17 rounds, Manchester United dropped to 13th in the league table, while Arsenal climbed to 12th. This highlights how damaging that Old Trafford loss was for United.
In contrast, Leeds United's narrow 0-1 away defeat to Tottenham Hotspur didn't trigger much of a reaction externally.
Most agreed that Leeds' loss to Spurs, especially through a penalty, wasn't a big deal. At most, it allowed Guardiola's in-form Manchester City to close the gap slightly, and that was it.
Following that game, the two teams met again in the League Cup semi-final.
Leeds United vs Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United.
Given the intense fixture congestion, both teams were forced to rotate heavily.
This was already their fourth game since Christmas in a short span. Without rotation, even the fittest player couldn't keep up.
But once key players were rested, problems emerged.
Just five minutes into the match at Leeds Amazon Stadium, Alphonso Davies sent a chipped pass from just inside his own 30-meter area. The ball dropped behind Manchester City's defense, landing on the left side of their half.
Rashford shook off Cancelo and made a sprint to collect the ball near the left edge of the penalty area. He drove into the box, drawing the attention of Stones, then cut the ball across with his left foot.
Veteran captain Jamie Vardy timed his run perfectly and calmly tapped it into the net.
A textbook move showcasing the smart positioning of Rashford and Vardy.
Both timed their runs from the edge of the offside line.
Although City players protested for offside, VAR ruled the goal valid.
After that, both sides were more cautious, and neither managed to create any clear-cut chances.
Manchester City, in particular, struggled with organization and attacking penetration.
Tonight, Pochettino started a midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Enzo Fernández, and Valverde. These are Leeds' key midfielders this season, and the selection showed his intent to go head-to-head with Guardiola in midfield.
In the midfield battle, Leeds had a slight edge.
After the break, Leeds continued their pressure but couldn't find another goal.
After ten minutes of pressing, City launched their counterattack. But right then, Leeds hit back quickly down the left flank.
Enzo Fernández combined with Alphonso Davies on a slick one-two. Davies surged forward and delivered a diagonal pass to Rashford.
The Leeds winger controlled the ball on the left side of the penalty area, stopped suddenly, cut inside past Stones, and curled a right-footed shot into the far corner.
2-0!
That goal essentially sealed the win for Leeds.
Later, substitute Kvaratskhelia dribbled down the left wing, beating three City players before delivering a fantastic through ball for Alvarez. The Argentine found himself one-on-one but squandered the chance.
That miss was quite embarrassing.
In the end, Leeds United beat Manchester City 2-0 at home to reach the League Cup final.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Newcastle United 2-0, also progressing to the final where they'll face Leeds.
...
Gao Shen was deeply moved by this game.
Not because Leeds bounced back immediately after losing to Tottenham.
In fact, he wouldn't have been surprised if they lost to Manchester City too.
These clashes between top teams are always tight and full of variables.
What truly surprised him was Manchester United's three-match winless run after their heavy loss. Their opponents weren't strong, yet they still couldn't beat them. That was the real issue.
Aside from the media stirring panic, no one seriously believed Leeds had problems.
What Gao Shen found sentimental was that Manchester City now carried fewer traces of his era.
David Silva was gone, and Gündoğan had arrived.
Javi Martínez, Robben, David Luiz, Kompany, Zabaleta, Suárez, Rakitic...
The legendary core that once defined Manchester City under Gao Shen had either retired, declined, or moved on. Some were no longer in football.
This City side now fully belonged to Guardiola.
Hazard remained one of the last few pillars from the previous era and was still central to their attack.
"Time flies," Gao Shen sighed.
Mubarak, Soriano, and Begiristain had all traveled with the City team. Before the game, they were warmly welcomed and watched the match together.
Everyone felt a tinge of emotion when Gao Shen spoke those words.
Manchester City's rise was inseparable from the foundation laid by Gao Shen.
But with the modern game so competitive, City's advantage in the Premier League had faded.
Of course, no one in City's management could pretend not to have feelings about it.
But do they hate him?
Not really.
This is the fundamental difference between club executives and fans. Executives are practical stakeholders.
In any league, the organizers don't want to see one team dominate. Even in La Liga, where Real Madrid and Barcelona share the spotlight, monopolies are not welcome.
Those two clubs rake in hundreds of millions in broadcasting revenue every year, more than all the others combined. But La Liga has been undergoing reforms.
In sports, no one wants a scripted season.
If Manchester City or Leeds United wins the title every year, where's the fun?
What's best is a competitive, unpredictable league.
The current Premier League represents that ideal.
More and more clubs now have the strength to challenge for the title. Every round offers big matchups and potential upsets.
It has made the league more exciting and marketable.
As the revenue pie grows, every club gets a larger slice.
For Manchester City, all that matters is staying in the title race year after year.
Ironically, before Leeds emerged, City were dominating the league thanks to Gao Shen's groundwork. That wasn't good for the league as a whole.
This was the rational, long-term view.
From a competitive standpoint, executives like Mubarak, Soriano, and Begiristain saw the increasing pressure as a motivator to keep pushing City forward.
On the pitch, they fight fiercely. Off the pitch, they're perfectly friendly.
You might see two players battling to the brink of a fight during a match, only to hit the nightclub together afterward.
It's completely normal.
Gao Shen's comments weren't just a reflection on City. They revealed a deeper crisis.
Transition.
The old generation of elite players is either aging, retired, or out of form. A new generation must take over.
In midfield, Leeds dominated City today.
Enzo Fernández, Valverde, Tchouaméni, and even substitutes Camavinga and Bellingham all shined.
City's duo of Gündoğan and De Bruyne were still good in possession but fell short overall.
Guardiola now prefers Mahrez on the right. Bale has been pushed aside.
Would Leeds be willing to sell Enzo Fernández or Sancho this summer?
Mubarak and Soriano stayed quiet, but Begiristain, the closest to Gao Shen, tested the waters.
Gao Shen hesitated slightly, but Borrell replied bluntly, "Impossible. These two are key players. We won't sell."
As soon as he finished, Gao Shen smiled and added, "We're not selling anyone this summer."
Sancho's market value had soared to €500 million. Selling him would mean an astronomical deal.
Enzo Fernández might have been bought cheaply, but his value was rising fast. More importantly, Leeds saw him as their midfield core for the future.
"What about Pedri, Camavinga, or Bellingham?" Begiristain pressed further.
Gao Shen laughed. "Now you're just being greedy."
"So, you're trying to fleece Leeds United, the fat sheep?"
Everyone around laughed out loud.
"Everyone knows Leeds United players have a great reputation," Soriano joked.
That was true, but it was also clear what City's aim was.
Leeds United's revenue now exceeded Manchester City's. Signing Leeds players would not only boost City but also weaken a direct rival. Two birds with one stone.
"Let me give you some advice. Stop looking at us. We've stopped selling. But I do have a suggestion," Gao Shen said quickly, trying to divert attention.
"You mean..."
"Barcelona," Gao Shen and Begiristain said in unison.
The room burst into laughter again.
"Barcelona isn't what it used to be. The club is deep in debt, and the outlook isn't great. They've got midfielders you want, like Frenkie de Jong. Honestly, even Messi could be a possibility."
Then Gao Shen stirred the pot even more.
"I've heard Manchester United are in talks with Juventus about Ronaldo. If you bring Messi in, then the Manchester Derby…"
Mubarak, Soriano, Begiristain, and the others suddenly looked interested.
They didn't need it spelled out. They knew exactly what it meant.
More importantly, if they didn't act, what if Newcastle or Tottenham stepped in first?
Gao Shen saw their expressions and silently made up his mind.
Barcelona, please forgive me.
If you don't go down, I'm the one getting stripped bare!
(To be continued.)