Enzo Maresca left the City Ground on Saturday evening with chants of “can we play you every week?” ringing in his ears – and the Italian’s dream start as Manchester City manager is rapidly turning into a nightmare.
Amid a sea of noise from the home faithful on the banks of the River Trent, the delirious Forest supporters witnessed their side produce a thrilling performance as City sunk to a third straight Premier League loss.
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Maresca’s leaky backline continues to make defensive blunders and once Josko Gvardiol gave the ball away for Jair Cunha to open the scoring in the sixth minute, City were on the back foot.
With Arsenal edging past Hull earlier in the day and keeping another clean sheet, City head into the international break searching for answers after a 3-1 loss and six points behind the champions.
Maresca said: “The first half we didn’t match [Forest’s] intensity or win duels or second balls. The first thing required in these games is intensity.
“We tried to react at 2-0 but it’s too late. We scored one, probably could have scored more but in transition we concede one more. No panic. We need to understand but no panic.”
Asked why the intensity was low, Maresca replied: “I need to analyse that.”
The situation already looks bleak for City, but what does history show?
Should Brighton fail to beat Brentford on Sunday, Arsenal would be just the fourth side in Premier League history to have a six-point lead after 10 games, while only two teams have been so far behind as City at this stage and gone on to win the title.
One of those was Manchester United in 2002-03. The other? City themselves in 2013-14 under Manuel Pellegrini.
But Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton have the opportunity to leap up to second place and five points behind the Gunners should they beat Brentford.
There is another factor which looms large over City’s campaign.
The club have lodged an appeal after being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.
That process is ongoing – and it is not yet known what potential sanctions City could face.
But – even if any possible punishment does not affect this season – their title hopes are looking slimmer by the match.
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