Manchester City’s Tough Start: Two Defeats, Cherki Out for Two Months

Manchester City began the 2025/26 Premier League season far from ideally. In the first three matches, Pep Guardiola’s squad managed only one win, with the rest ending in defeat. The situation grew more complicated after new signing Rayan Cherki was sidelined for two months due to injury. This condition puts Manchester City back in a pressured early season, just like last year.

The opening game went smoothly when City crushed Wolverhampton Wanderers with a resounding 4-0 scoreline. Fluid attacks, aggressive pressing, and neat inter-line combinations looked very solid. Many believed Manchester City were still on track to maintain their dominance in the Premier League.

From Big Win to Consecutive Defeats: Three Contrasting Opening Games

However, that optimism quickly faded in the second week. Playing at the Etihad Stadium, The Citizens had to admit Tottenham Hotspur’s superiority with a 0-2 defeat. Manchester City ’s defense looked fragile against Spurs’ quick counterattacks, while the front line failed to capitalize on chances. This loss was the first signal of problems within the team.

The climax came in the third week when visiting Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite taking the lead, City lost focus and ended up defeated 1-2. Guardiola admitted his team lost concentration after conceding and failed to control the game. The result gave Manchester City an unwanted record: for the first time in 21 years, they lost twice in their opening three Premier League matches (The Guardian, August 31, 2025).

New Signing Cherki Sidelined for Two Months

The bad news continued when Rayan Cherki, the young attacking midfielder signed in the summer transfer window, suffered a muscle injury. Guardiola confirmed the Frenchman would be out for two months (TalkSport, August 31, 2025).

Cherki was brought in to provide creativity in attack, stepping into a role increasingly hindered by Kevin De Bruyne’s recurring injuries. Unfortunately, before he could properly adapt to City’s style, he was already facing a long absence. His injury not only reduced attacking options but also added pressure on Guardiola to rotate his squad.

After the defeat to Brighton, Guardiola did not hide his frustration.

“For 60 minutes we played very well, but after conceding, we forgot how to play. We lost control, too many long balls, and that is not our style,” said Guardiola (Reuters, August 31, 2025).

The manager also stressed the need for quick solutions. Cherki’s injury limited tactical options further, while a packed schedule loomed in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

“We must quickly find our rhythm; otherwise, this season will again be difficult from the very start,” he added.

Old Problems Return: Inconsistency Becomes City’s Main Enemy

This poor start is a reminder of last season, when Manchester City also stumbled in August and September. Although they eventually recovered, slow starts are certainly not healthy for a team aiming for the title.

Looking at the performances in the three games, the main issue lies in consistency. Manchester City can press and dominate, but they lose control easily once the opponent scores. Mentality and game organization remain major homework for Guardiola.

In addition, the midfield—usually the engine of play—has not looked solid. Rodri is often left alone to manage transitions, while creative players like Bernardo Silva have yet to fully click. Without Cherki, the burden of distribution will likely grow heavier on senior midfielders.

On social media, Manchester City fans expressed concern. Many pointed to Cherki’s absence as a huge blow, while others demanded Guardiola quickly find a more stable formation.

“Another poor start to the season. Hopefully this isn’t a sign we’ll fall too far behind,” wrote one supporter on X (Twitter). Others tried to stay optimistic, noting that City are known to rebound strongly in the second half of the season. “We’ve been here before, Pep will figure it out.”

Manchester City’s 2025/26 season start is clearly a tough test. Two defeats from three matches are not only about points, but can also affect the team’s confidence. Rayan Cherki’s injury has worsened the situation, depriving Guardiola of a crucial creative option in attack.

With the schedule tightening, Manchester City have little time to regroup. The season is still long, but if they fail to quickly rediscover their rhythm, the chance to maintain dominance could be threatened early on. All eyes are now on Pep Guardiola, can he turn things around?