Despite a bright start, City were ultimately deservedly beaten by a Tottenham side who out played their hosts.

“We are a bit fragile right now, that is obvious,” said Guardiola. “We struggled to score goals and after when they arrived they scored.

“We are playing with a little bit of negativity in our thoughts but this is normal. Football is a sense of mood.

“We were always a consistent team conceding few chances. Our game was about control.

“This is not a team created to do box-to-box 40 times in a game – we are not good at that. We were always a team who conceded few but now we concede more. I would like there to just be one reason but there are many.”

Former England striker Alan Shearer, said on Match of the Day: “There were so many things wrong. It’s not just not having Rodri, it is defenders not defending properly. They haven’t got the press right all over the park.

“There is plenty to work on, there was no protection and they were too open.

“Liverpool away is a massive game next weekend for Man City. For the first time I would have real concerns over them. I am seeing too many worrying signs. If Liverpool win on Sunday and next week, I think Man City would find it really tough.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville described it as a “sobering day” for the champions, while ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp said Man City were “too easy to play against”.

Ex-Man City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: “I am flabbergasted. Spurs showed great quality but from Man City it was truly awful.

“They got dominated in midfield, they look like there is a lack of energy, a lack of conviction.

“I thought Pep’s new contract would give them a buzz. Today it feels like more than a blip.”