Manchester City’s fourth title in five seasons was not won in September but, more importantly, it was not lost then either. Pep Guardiola’s side faced just about the most difficult three-game run possible, all in the space of eight days: away to Chelsea, their conquerors in the Champions League final four months previous; away to Paris Saint-Germain, newly decorated with the signing of Lionel Messi; away to Liverpool, their greatest competition.
Just five games into the defence of their Premier League title, City had already dropped five points. After defeat for a depleted squad on the opening weekend at Tottenham, Southampton had earned a goalless draw at the Etihad. Guardiola, meanwhile, was at odds with own fans over perceived criticism of their support after the 6-3 win over RB Leipzig. None of this was ideal preparation.
