Pep Guardiola will not be happy with the 'most defining thing' causing Man City 'strain'

Man City's press has almost become non-existent and that is the 'most defining thing' about their torrid run of form.

That is the verdict of former City defender Micah Richards, who believes Pep Guardiola's side have struggled to cope with the strain placed on them in the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri through injury.

City fell to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions yesterday as Erling Haaland's first-half goal was cancelled out by second half strikes from Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley.

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After 2-1 defeats to Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and Premier League respectively, and a 4-1 hammering by Sporting CP in the Champions League, it is the first time Guardiola has ever lost four matches in a row during his managerial career.

The defeat has left City five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and as they continue to combat their injury crisis, Richards could not hide his fears for his former side.

"I think it's come at the right time," Richards told Match of the Day.

"I think he's right to mention the injuries of Grealish, Stones, Rodri, Dias, Doku and Bobb. The most defining for me is they are not pressing any more and when they are pressing they are going as individuals.

"When you lose the best midfielder in Europe you are always going to have a strain on your team but they are just too easy to play through at this moment in time."

Guardiola has prided himself on City's pressing out of possession and their intensity on and off the ball during his time as manager. The fact that is now being questioned will hurt him the most.