Pep Guardiola claimed that Manchester City have behaved like Cheshire cats and needed ‘a shake’ to wake them up.
City are on their worst run of form in the Premier League since 2017 and lie six points behind Arsenal at the start of their third straight title defence.
Guardiola insisted that the club’s critics have short memories – City are adept at hunting down leaders after New Year – and believes the dip in results was a necessity.
The Catalan suggested that the entire club have appeared too pleased with themselves after the heroics of completing an historic Treble, and warned they face a battle to make the top four.