Pep Guardiola opens up on Manchester City's early defensive woes

In their previous two Premier League games, Manchester City have been hailed for their incredible comeback spirit.

First, against an electric Newcastle United side at St. James’ Park, City came back from two goals down to level the scores at 3-3, in a fixture which they ultimately should have won on the balance of play.

Against Crystal Palace, the Premier League champions found themselves in the same boat at 0-2 down at one stage.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side ended up scoring three goals within 17 minutes, and added to their tally 11 minutes later to emerge as 4-2 victors on the day.

While it is commendable that Manchester City can come back from such precarious positions, some have also pointed out the side’s defensive woes in the process.

Considering City’s tendency to stay watertight defensively, it has been a surprise to see them concede five goals in their last two outings.

For a side that let in the joint-least number of goals in the league last term, many have questioned whether how porous Manchester City have been at the back so far should be a cause for concern.

The same question was posed to none other than Pep Guardiola, ahead of his side’s upcoming league clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.

“We have to try to avoid it.

"In the past years, when we were down, it was difficult to come back, we've improved and can do it.

"We have to avoid it as much as possible. It's risky, one day we won't be able to come back," he commented.

The 51-year-old was also questioned about whether his side’s defensive frailties was down to their attacking style of play.

“Six years, we have done like this and our levels to concede was minimal.

"Some destruction we have to do it, as far away from goal you are safer. 

"We concede few chances and few goals, we'll adjust something, it's normal in that period."

Pep Guardiola continued, "Always we concede few, against Palace we concede few. One corner, one free kick, one shot is brilliant. Set pieces is important.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Twitter)

"Always we'll concede few goals and score lots, otherwise won't win Premier League.

"We're conceding a lot, if we don't stop that will be difficult.

"Not all the time you can concede 2-3 goals and win. Important is the transitions and set pieces. If we don't control we will suffer.”

Only time will tell the truth behind Manchester City’s defensive mishaps but Pep Guardiola is certainly right in saying that continuing to be lax at the back could cost the side big-time eventually.