Manchester City is grappling with its worst start to a Premier League campaign since the 2004-05 season, following a disappointing defeat to Brighton. This result comes after a season where they were expected to bounce back from a trophyless year, having previously dominated the league by winning six titles in seven years under Pep Guardiola. Despite significant investment of around £330 million this summer, City has struggled to find form, raising questions about their title aspirations.

After initially beginning the season with a convincing 4-0 win over Wolves, City exhibited alarming inconsistencies, reminiscent of their previous season's struggles. In their latest match against Brighton, despite leading with a goal from Erling Haaland, the team faltered after conceding a penalty and ultimately lost 2-1. Guardiola acknowledged that after going ahead, the team "forgot to play," highlighting a troubling pattern of performance when facing adversity.

Rodri's return from injury was seen as a potential game-changer, given his critical role in City’s success. However, he expressed that he cannot single-handedly turn the team's fortunes around, indicating the need for a collective improvement. Meanwhile, tactical deficiencies have emerged, particularly in their pressing game, which has left the defense vulnerable and exposed during transitions.

As the team prepares for an upcoming Manchester derby against their local rivals, Manchester United, the pressure is mounting on Guardiola and his squad to reverse their fortunes quickly. With a daunting challenge ahead, City must not only tighten their defensive strategies but also find ways to maximize Haaland's contributions if they hope to remain competitive in the title race this season. The road ahead looks tough, and the pressure is on for Guardiola to navigate this challenging phase effectively.