Manchester City have lost three consecutive games in a season for the first time since April 2018 after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Sporting.
The defeat was Man City's worst since a 5-2 loss to Leicester City four years ago. It was only the third time a Pep Guardiola side has conceded four goals in a Champions League game.
Bernardo Silva believes Man City are in a "dark place". So what has led the Premier League champions to such a dark place?
Guardiola warned before the defeat to Sporting that the Citizens would struggle to overcome a growing injury list.
"We know we're going to struggle and we have to accept that. And that's fine. The games are going to be tough. In previous seasons, things have gone smoothly.
Personal reasons, injuries but we won 6 Premier League titles in 7 years. Everything changes, we have to accept that" - said the Spanish strategist.
Guardiola handed defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey his first start to highlight the problems he has, particularly at centre-back, where Ruben Dias and John Stones are sidelined through injury.
Jack Grealish is still out, plus the long-term injuries of 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and young talent Oscar Bobb. It can be said that Man City's squad depth is seriously affected.
Manuel Akanji was fit to play against Sporting but picked up an injury afterwards, while Nathan Ake was an unused substitute. Rico Lewis replaced Kyle Walker, who was fit enough to sit on the bench.
On the plus side, Kevin De Bruyne returned, but the Belgian only came on for the final six minutes. Jeremy Doku, meanwhile, also came off the bench.
It is still unclear what line-up Guardiola will field for the Premier League clash with Brighton. But one thing is certain: he must help Man City avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.
"It happened in my first year. Sometimes it's like that. I have to try to find an explanation but sometimes it's just football, so you have to accept it. That's sport. That's life.
Sometimes we have bad moments but we have to face reality. Everyone has to try to be better and we will find that. We are still competing in every competition and we will continue" - Guardiola emphasized.
