Early-season struggles are not unknown at City in recent years but their defensive numbers so far in this one are of particular concern

Rodri's injury and subsequent recommendation have injected significant drama into Manchester City's January transfer plans. His influence, even from the sidelines, highlights his importance to the team and sets the stage for a potentially pivotal transfer battle to address their midfield crisis.

For once Pep Guardiola is making the wrong kind of history. For the first time in his managerial career it is four defeats on the spin for the 12-time league winner. Five points off the Premier League summit,