by Pep Guardiola challenged Manchester City to accept their reality and break a shocking slump that stretched to a fifth consecutive defeat as Tottenham ran riot at the Etihad Stadium.
The reigning champions’ hopes of an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League crown are evaporating as they continue to soar.
A streak that began with last month’s defeat at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup continued as Ange Postecoglou’s side weathered an early storm to inflict a humiliating 4-0 defeat on the shell-shocked hosts on Saturday .
City’s 52-match unbeaten streak at home in all competitions went up in smoke as James Maddison’s first-half brace was followed by efforts from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson after the break.
“When we lose 0-4, there is nothing to say, it is to congratulate Tottenham,” said Guardiola, whose contract extension until 2026 was announced two days before this blow.
“We had a little difficulty recovering the balls. We are not capable of winning nor the additional action that follows, but (on the ball) we were pretty decent.
“We created a lot of things and we created a lot of chances in front of the goalkeeper. We’re a little fragile at the moment, that’s obvious. We struggled to score goals and then, when they arrived, they scored.
“We play a little in our thoughts, a little negativity but that’s normal.
“Football is a feeling of mood and when you win a lot it gives you the self-awareness that you can do it and when you lose three games in a row in the Premier League that situation is there. A lot of things will occur.
“We have to beat the results because victories help us to be more positive and confident and we have to do that.
“But after eight years here, I knew that sooner or later we would give up.
“I never expected to lose three Premier League games in a row, but we have been incredibly consistent over and over again and now we can’t deny the reality that sometimes happens in football and life is there.
“We must do everything to change, especially for the next person, but the exception that we experienced for eight years is not eternal. Sometimes we drop a little.
Guardiola said City “can’t run away” and “must face” the problems head on as Feyenoord arrive in the Champions League on Tuesday ahead of next Sunday’s trip to top-of-the-table Liverpool.
It was the worst run of City’s managerial career but he believes improvements will come as players return, although he ruled out any talk of the title after this latest defeat.
“I would say that when you lose three games in a row, it’s the worst thing to say that you will be champion,” Guardiola said.
“I know the guys, I know they will be back and if I doubt them, there is something wrong with me.
“Maybe I won’t be good enough to come back in those situations, and we’ll see, but I’ve been a footballer.
“What we have done in the past is exceptional, but losing three Premier League games in a row can happen. This happened to me with Barcelona in La Liga.
“Now everything is a bit against – when you are sure that the results are good, but now it is the opposite. We must end it quickly and accept it.
“The best way to face this position is to accept reality. It’s not about me, you, the weather or the grass, we have to start winning games.
“Now you realize how difficult what we did is. You can be worse but when you told me that when you win 10 or 11 or 12 or 13 matches in a row, you’re going to win before the match, I don’t know.
“Now we are recovering and on Tuesday we have to be here again and hopefully we will change the dynamic.”
