Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says “we will recover our best” after his side slumped to four consecutive defeats, the first time that has happened in his managerial career.
Their 2-1 loss at Brighton came after defeats by Bournemouth in the Premier League, Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Sporting in the Champions League.
Guardiola said City are not reaching their usual high standard, but are struggling with injuries to the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish.
“That’s what it is always about – not being complacent when you win a lot,” said Guardiola.
“We know how difficult it is and how nice it will be when we win again.
“Right now, we are not at our best, it’s obvious. But it’s still November – we’ll recover our best.”
Rodri and Oscar Bobb are other notable absentees for City, with Guardiola handing a debut to 19-year-old central defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey against Brighton.
Liverpool then took advantage of City’s struggles to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table by beating Aston Villa.
