Five Things We Learned: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester City (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City’s post World Cup woes continued, as they extended their wretched record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s surprise loss to Everton.

After a blitzing second half performance against Spurs at the Etihad Stadium less than a month ago and Arsenal’s loss at Goodison Park on Saturday, many hoped that Manchester City could end their painstaking hoodoo and issue a major Premier League title statement.

But as Harry Kane scored his landmark goal after another calamitous piece of City play in the defensive third, the Blues’ dismal record in this part of North London continued for another season.

A series of issues enshroud Pep Guardiola’s side, as a key visit to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal looms.

Pep Guardiola will have a whole week to reflect on Sunday’s underwhelming 1-0 loss ahead of next weekend’s clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Following the 1-0 defeat to Spurs, here are five things we learned.

Identity Crisis

Manchester City are ultimately a shadow of their former selves and despite sustained talk of a summer shake-up, the Sky Blues are serial winners and are in urgent need of clicking ahead of season defining fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s desperation for control is seemingly effecting City’s attacking output, with sluggish and uninspiring build-up play in the final third having a detrimental impact, especially when playing two forwards.

City have struggled particularly since the World Cup as they seem to grapple with affirming a new identity when playing with a traditional striker after having major prolonged success previously with the ‘false nine’ set-up.

Guardiola’s continued tinkering of personnel and formations, highlighted by the decision to play Nathan Ake at centre-back, is suggestive of a team trying to unlock a new identity.

Desperate Defensive Dilemmas

John Stones’ absence due to injury is a serious blow to the Blues’ title hopes but with five senior central defenders, Guardiola has a plethora of options at his disposal.

Irrespective of Nathan Ake’s imperious form at left-back and Manuel Akanji’s stellar start to life in the Premier League, having both Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte sat on the bench during a crucial game against Spurs is incredibly frustrating, even more so when you consider how uncharacteristically poor City have been defensively.

Laporte was crucial to City’s successful title defence last season while Dias offers leadership and a more orthodox approach to defending.

City’s resolute defence has been a key feature in the past and reintroducing the likes of Laporte and Dias could be an important first step when addressing current issues at the back.

Outcry Out Wide

Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish have both been great recently, but Sunday’s loss against Spurs once again emphasised an outcry for an injection of pace out wide.

With a prolific goalscorer in Erling Haaland in the box and a true poacher in Julian Alvarez waiting to pounce, not having the option to turn to a fast-paced forward on the wings feels like a real missed opportunity.

One immediately thinks back to how Leroy Sane linked up with Sergio Aguero and feels that the Blues could really benefit from signing a player such as Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Lacking Leadership

During previous periods of problem, individuals in the dressing room are known for stepping up. One immediately thinks back to Fernandinho’s role following the draw to West Brom, or the known leadership roles undertaken by the likes of Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph.

But who is there who could be doing that for Manchester City right now?

The temperament on the pitch has seemingly shifted in recent weeks and one therefore wonders if there is a lack of leadership within the City dressing room amongst the players following a series of senior departures.

Title Race or Top Four Battle

Amid City’s inconsistency and the form of Manchester United, Newcastle and even Spurs, the Premier League champions are currently at risk of sleepwalking into a top four battle.

Guardiola’s side could see Manchester United move level on points with them in midweek, while just six points currently separate second and fifth.

Failing to capitalise on Arsenal’s loss is a bitter blow, but the emerging battle for a Champions League place makes Guardiola’s need for a drastic improvement all the more urgent, as hopes of winning a hat-trick of titles further diminish.