'Monster' Man City is no longer scary

With five consecutive defeats in all competitions, Pep Guardiola's team is not only in decline but also facing the biggest crisis of its golden era.

Alarm for Manchester City

There was a time when Manchester City struggled and people just had to be patient. They would overcome it with tenacity and class, then bounce back and go on to win the title. But this season, things have not been so easy. The defeat to Tottenham was a stark warning.

Pep Guardiola's side started the game as they usually do: controlling the ball, creating chances and dominating their opponents. But when they failed to convert their chances into goals, they quickly looked confused. Tottenham, with their aggressive play and excellent ability to capitalise on mistakes, punished every Man City mistake.

The 0-4 scoreline at Etihad was not only a heavy defeat but also a declaration that: Manchester City is no longer the invincible team it once was.

No one can deny the influence Rodri has had on Manchester City. His absence has not only weakened the midfield but also exposed systemic problems in the way the team operates.

Statistics show that when Rodri plays, City lose just 2.6% of their games. But when he is absent, that percentage increases to 33%. A top-class team should not rely too much on one individual, but the reality is that Man City have no viable replacement for the Spanish midfielder.

As for Pep Guardiola, this is the first time in his career that he has faced a series of five consecutive defeats. It is not just the score, but the way Manchester City lost that is really worrying. They lacked sharpness in attack, defended loosely and, worst of all, the fighting spirit that once made their brand seem to have disappeared.

While Manchester City were in crisis, Tottenham enjoyed a great evening at the Etihad. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs played a bold, aggressive and effective style of football.

They did not hesitate to apply pressure from the start, exploiting the gaps in their opponents' formation. Most importantly, Tottenham played with focus and passion - something that Manchester City completely lacked in this match.

This victory not only helps Tottenham regain confidence after criticism but also affirms that they are capable of competing with the big teams. This could be the turning point for Spurs to return to the title race, something they have missed for a long time.

Challenge awaits Manchester City

Manchester City were once seen as the perfect team: from their unbeaten streaks to their dominance of the league. But now, that "monster" image is slowly fading.

Key players like Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker are showing signs of age, while young talents like Phil Foden, despite their potential, are not yet strong enough to carry the team through tough times.

Kevin De Bruyne's return is expected to help the club overcome their current problems, but will he be enough to save the season? They have a huge challenge ahead of them in the form of Liverpool - a team that is leading the rankings and full of confidence.

Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest managers in football history. But even the greatest have their limits. Can he steer Manchester City through this crisis, or will he see his team slide further?

Liverpool at Anfield will be the most important test yet. A win would restore City's morale and give them a chance to stay in the title race. But defeat would not only shatter their dream of defending the title but also raise big questions about the future of the team.

As spectators left the Etihad Stadium after losing to Tottenham, many were left wondering: Can Manchester City still bounce back, or is it really time for the symbol of dominance to step aside for a new era?

Liverpool is the answer. But with a team that has lost its fangs, claws and "monster" spirit, Manchester City will need more than a miracle to return to the throne.