Left back issue
Hopes that Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy would click back into form have so far not come to pass this season. Kolarov was in the spotlight against CSKA Moscow for getting on the wrong side of his man and conceding a penalty (however harsh), while Clichy looks a shadow of the player he was. In the modern game full-backs are key to success and it's getting to the point where City need to prioritise buying a new one.
Intensity
Despite a strong start to his City career Fernando has struggled since returning from injury. He doesn't provide the tempo of Fernandinho or James Milner and that can hurt City when they need to haul themselves into a game. Navas has great pace, but that isn't the same thing as tempo and the game can pass the Spaniard by on occasion.
One of those weeks
City haven't turned into a poor side overnight. They had enough chances to win the game at West Ham. Who wouldn't have put money on Sergio Aguero converting from six yards with the goal gaping? The stats show that City had 21 shots (just five on target), 70 per cent possession and passed with more accuracy than West Ham. Of course the Blues need to sharpen up, but they it shouldn't take too much to steer them back to winning ways.
Cup of cheer
Wednesday's Capital One Cup game against Newcastle has taken on increased importance. With City's hopes at home and abroad having taken a hit over the past week, they do not want to go out of the League Cup with a whimper on derby week. It will be a tricky selection call for the manager with Sunday's game in mind.
Siege mentality
City should use these past two results as motivation. People are already starting to write them off for this season. But they proved their spirit to come back and win the title in 2013/14 and should use the criticism to fire them up again. They will surely lose more times before the end of the season, but it should never be down to a lack of intensity.
Source: Manchester City Evening News
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