When will an unexpected incident become a crisis? Manchester City's losing streak increased from 4 to 5 after the defeat to Tottenham, the team won 4-0 at the Etihad.
With players returning from injury and doubts about the future of coach Pep Guardiola eased with a new contract, the international break is considered a recount for Man City. Instead, Spurs have exposed the Premier League champions' defensive weaknesses, largely thanks to the excellent performance of Dejan Kulusevski. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland had a day to forget.
It is too early to eliminate Guardiola's side in the title race that has yet to begin. However, the Spaniard is in a state that has never happened before to him.
Guardiola has never lost five consecutive games as a manager. And he has never lost three consecutive Premier League games as Man City head coach.
"When you lose 0-4, there is nothing to say other than congratulate Tottenham. We are a bit fragile at the moment, that's for sure," Guardiola said after the match.
For the first time in a long time, Guardiola has a problem to solve. With Rodri and reserve player Mateo Kovacic uninjured, the Citizens' midfield, which included Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva, has been overwhelmed by Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.
In particular, Gundogan played particularly badly. The German midfielder simply cannot keep up with Spurs' attacking speed, although Gundogan is not the only one. Kyle Walker looked like his own shadow and would not want to remember this defeat.
Guardiola's side have now conceded 14 goals in their last five games and things would have been worse if Ederson hadn't made three excellent saves against Spurs. In the 6 home matches so far this season, Man City have conceded the first goal in 4 matches.
Guardiola hopes Ruben Dias - who has been absent for the last 5 matches due to injury - can return soon. However, John Stones, a player who had just played in the Premier League for the first time in more than a month, was forced to take an early break after 45 minutes against Tottenham.
Man City will have a chance to break this losing streak against Feyenoord in the Champions League in the middle of next week. However, it will then be a stormy trip to Liverpool's Anfield.
After a disastrous run of results, Anfield could be a turning point for the Premier League champions to recover. But in return, this could also be the place where Man City completely sink their season.
