Manchester City have lost three consecutive games in a season for the first time since April 2018 after a 4-1 defeat in the Champions League to Sporting.
This defeat was Man City's worst loss since a 2-5 loss to Leicester City 4 years ago. This is only the third time a Pep Guardiola side have conceded four goals in a Champions League match.
Bernardo Silva believes Man City are in a "dark place". So, what caused the Premier League champions to fall into 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 will struggle and we have to accept that. And that's okay. The games will be difficult. In the previous seasons, everything went smoothly.
Personal reasons, injuries, but we have won 6 Premier League titles in 7 years. Things change, we have to accept that," said the Spaniard.
Guardiola gave defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey his first start to highlight the problems he has faced. Especially in the centre-back position, where Ruben Dias and John Stones are out due to injury.
Jack Grealish is still unable to play, combined with long-term injuries to 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and young talent Oscar Bobb. It can be said that Man City's squad depth is being seriously affected.
Manuel Akanji was fit enough to play against Sporting but was injured afterwards. Meanwhile, Nathan Ake is an unused reserve player. Rico Lewis replaced Kyle Walker, who was fit enough to sit on the bench.
The positive point is that Kevin De Bruyne has returned but the Belgian player was only put on the field for the last 6 minutes of the match. Jeremy Doku, meanwhile, came off the bench.
It is still unclear what Guardiola will be in the squad for the Premier League match against Brighton. But one thing is certain, he must help Man City avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.
"It happened in my first year. Sometimes it is true. 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 the reality. Everyone has to try to be better and we will find that. We are still competing in every tournament and we will continue" - Guardiola emphasized.
