Manchester City’s fourth consecutive defeat, this time at Brighton on Saturday night, only increases the scrutiny on manager Pep Guardiola.

It is now City’s worst run of results since April-August 2006, when they were under Stuart Pearce.

Guardiola was in a reflective mood after Brighton came from behind to win 2-1, saying: “Maybe after seven years of winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserves it.”

If anyone thinks this is the start of Guardiola raising the white flag, a look at his frantic body language – oscillating between despair, frustration and the very occasional praise of his players – says otherwise.

However, there is no doubt that Guardiola has huge problems to deal with as Liverpool, smooth, increasingly quiet and efficient under new head coach Arne Slot, sit five points clear at the top of the table.

Guardiola’s own future is also a point of contention, with his contract expiring at the end of this season and, at least publicly, no indication whether he will stay.

He insists he “loves” the task of reversing City’s unexpected dip in fortunes and, on the evidence at The Amex Stadium, has plenty on his “to do” list.

What he can’t do is midfielder Rodri’s knee injury, which will keep their most important player out for the season. Mateo Kovacic is a good operator, but City just don’t have the impenetrable shield that Rodri so often provides.

Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were also absent, putting even City’s vast squad under pressure.

What no one can do, however, is write off an all-time great manager leading a great team.

City have been masters at chasing the Premier League leaders and overhauling them, but they seriously risk leaving themselves with a lot to do, even at this early stage of the season.