Manchester City slipped up again at the weekend. Twice the reigning league title holders went ahead at Newcastle United, and twice they coughed up a lead, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. There is now an 11-point gap between themselves and league-leaders Liverpool.
City's manager Pep Guardiola remained buoyant in the post-match press conference, stressing that his players' "body language" remains positive. City's performances have, however, dipped—only one win in their last five games—compared with their two previous record-breaking seasons, a 100-point league title-winning tally and a domestic treble, respectively.