When does a surprise turn into a crisis? Manchester City's losing streak increased from four to five after defeat to Tottenham, who won 4-0 at the Etihad.
With players returning from injury and doubts over Pep Guardiola's future eased by a new contract, the international break was supposed to be a reset for Man City. Instead, Spurs exposed the Premier League champions' defensive frailties, thanks largely to a superb performance from Dejan Kulusevski. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland had a day to forget.
It is too early to write off Guardiola's side in a title race that has not even begun. However, the Spaniard is in a state he has never experienced before.
Guardiola has never lost five games in a row as a manager. And he has never lost three in a row in the Premier League as Man City manager.
"When you lose 0-4, there's nothing left to say but congratulate Tottenham. We're a bit fragile right now, that's obvious," Guardiola said after the match.
For the first time in a long time, Guardiola had a problem to solve. Without Rodri and injured substitute Mateo Kovacic, the Citizens' midfield of Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva was overwhelmed by Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.
Gundogan was particularly poor. The German simply couldn't keep up with Spurs' attacking tempo, although he wasn't the only one. Kyle Walker looked a shadow of his former self and will not want to remember this defeat.
Guardiola's side have now conceded 14 goals in their last five games and it would have been worse had it not been for three excellent saves from Ederson against Spurs. In their six home games so far this season, City have conceded the opening goal in four.
Guardiola is hopeful Ruben Dias - who has missed the last five games through injury - can return soon. However, John Stones, making his first Premier League appearance in over a month, was forced off after 45 minutes against Tottenham.
Man City will have the chance to break that losing streak against Feyenoord in the Champions League next midweek, but that will be followed by a stormy trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
After a string of disastrous matches, Anfield could be the turning point for the Premier League champions. But conversely, it could also be the place where Man City's season is completely sunk.
