Defeat to Brighton in round 11 of the Premier League was the first time in Pep Guardiola's coaching career that he has lost four consecutive matches. It would be too early to say that an empire has collapsed, but there is a feeling that they are starting to weaken.
Of those four defeats, one was in the Carabao Cup and the other in the Champions League, where City sit 10th in the table. Even if they don’t make the top eight, they still have a chance of making the play-offs. But two of those recent defeats have been in the Premier League, away to Bournemouth and then Brighton. The result leaves the Citizens five points behind leaders Liverpool.
It’s no secret that Man City are inconsistent at this stage of the season. Guardiola’s teams usually peak in March and April. They’ll suddenly accelerate and overtake their rivals. It feels like Guardiola needs a certain period to experiment with formations or tactics.
At this point last season they were having a difficult time - winning just one of their six Premier League games. After the final game of that run, a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, City had 34 points from 17 games.
This season, they have 23 points after 11 games. By the time they reach 19 games, the Citizens will likely have around 40 points, like last year. Arne Slot's Liverpool are probably a more formidable opponent than Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, so City's trip to Anfield in early December will provide a clearer picture. However, considering their own points tally, there is no reason for City to panic.
Guardiola has been at the Etihad long enough to be familiar with City's flaws. He likes a high midfield, accepting the threat behind the defence. That's why City spend so much time focusing on possession and not giving the ball away in situations that could lead to a counter-attack.
Rodri's absence at the moment has left City vulnerable. Injury should never be an excuse - the best teams don't focus on absences, they work around them. But if it is, then Guardiola should be given the same.
Kevin De Bruyne has just returned, Ruben Dias and John Stones are absent in defence, while the absence of Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb also reduces their creativity.
Guardiola has also begun to speak openly about the Citizens’ fatigue. Almost all of their players are playing too much. Maintaining the players’ hunger is one of the great challenges for successful managers. And in that context, how does the Premier League’s accusations against Man City play out?
