.
A defeat by Brighton last time out was the first time Guardiola has suffered four successive defeats at the club and was the first time since 2006 that City have lost four in a row.
The run certainly isn’t terminal in terms of their bid to win a record-extending fifth straight Premier League title, given they are only five points behind leaders Liverpool and four points clear of third-placed Chelsea.
They also remain in a decent position in the Champions League group stage – despite being thrashed by Sporting – but know they must regain their form quickly to stay realistic contenders on all fronts.
It has been suggested in some quarters the uncertainty over Guardiola’s future was a significant factor in City’s current run, and there will now be the hope his decision can provide that clarity and certainty to propel the team forward.
A bigger issue though remains the injuries within his squad, with the absence of defenders Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and John Stones undoubtedly a key issue.
In addition, Phil Foden has struggled to find his form and Ilkay Gundogan is yet to reach the level of performance he was at before he left for Barcelona after helping City win the Treble in 2023. Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish have been injured, while Ballon D’Or winner Rodri is out for the season.
City will get no sympathy because of their success and the money they have spent to achieve it, but that number of issues, to any squad in the Premier League, would have a negative impact.
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