Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville claims Manchester City’s defeat to Wolves at the weekend shows there is a chink in the armour of the Premier League champions.

Neville was already of the opinion that Arsenal were the favourites for the title, as he felt that City’s treble exploits last season would take its toll, and the former Manchester United defender says the loss at Molineux has only reinforced his view:

“I’ve got Arsenal to win the league this year. That post-treble feeling, what it would have taken out of those City players and staff would have been enormous. They could easily win the league this season and obviously, it is just one game, but little results like that give the other teams encouragement.”

“We know City have lost games in the past and gone on long winning runs so we can’t write them off but it will give a lot of encouragement to Arsenal. Against Newcastle, it was a serious team that Pep Guardiola took up there, and at Wolves, they’re conceding a goal or two, they’re going behind in games and they look human. It will be interesting. If Arsenal keep their players fit, they’ve got a great chance this season.”

City’s form is a concern

It is now back-to-back defeats for the Citizens, having also lost in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle last week. Manager Pep Guardiola downplayed the setback against Wolves, emphasising that his team have had a good start to the season regardless.

The fact that City are still top of the table does prove his point but he will be concerned with how his side has been performing recently.

Midfield absentees are negatively impacting performances

The fact that City have scored just once and conceded 3 times in the past 2 games does suggest there are problems to sort out. With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva both absent due to injury, and Rodri out suspended, the midfield lacks balance.

At the moment, there is not enough creativity and, at the same time, very little protection in front of the back four. Guardiola will want to get his key men back in the middle of the park as soon as possible.

Watch this video on Shots! TV previewing Manchester United and Manchester City’s upcoming games