Manchester City had a record-breaking start to the season. Seven straight wins in the Premier League, the most by a team with a new manager in league history.

City sat alone at the top of the League early in the season and were undefeated in all competitions, but then came PSG. The defending UEFA Champions League winners dominated the Cityzens and handed them their first loss of the season.

Losing to what many consider to be the best team in the world isn’t very significant to their season, especially with it being in the group stage. But it’s the string of performances that have followed the loss that is cause for concern.

Manchester City suddenly struggling to find wins

City followed up the loss with a shaky performance against Ipswich, leaving it late to get the win. But even though it wasn’t pretty, they remained undefeated in the Premier League and, after dominating Greek side AEK Athens, it looked like they were back in form.

Aston Villa made it clear that wasn’t the case as Nicolas Jackson took over and helped his side get three points with a brace. Marc Guéhi headlined the game with a sloppy touch that led to their opening goal, but the whole team struggled against Unai Emery’s side.

Brighton wanted revenge after Man City knocked them out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the week, and they got it. An early goal from Yasin Ayari gave Brighton the lead, and they never looked back, handing City their second consecutive loss in the PL.

Man City were riding high to start the season, and now they face their first real test as they find themselves in poor form. How they respond as a team could be what defines their season.

In the Premier League, titles are won by the finest margins; a team that’s won six titles over the last nine years knows that well. Pep Guardiola’s success meant fans were rarely concerned when his side had runs of bad form, but Enzo Maresca hasn’t earned that same faith yet with Manchester City.

Maresca’s side will have to prove they are capable of bouncing back and have what it takes to win the Premier League starting Saturday, Nov. 7, against Nottingham Forest.