Manchester City have lost three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since 2024, putting new manager Enzo Maresca under early pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes.

City’s latest defeat came on Saturday, when Nottingham Forest beat them 3-1 at the City Ground. The result followed a 1-0 home loss to Brighton and a 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa.

The last time City endured such a run in the league was in 2024, when they eventually lost four matches in a row.

The latest results have exposed weaknesses in a side previously known for its control, attacking threat and ability to dictate the pace of matches.

Villa found a way past them at home, Brighton kept them from scoring at the Etihad, while Forest took advantage of their defensive problems to claim all three points.

For Maresca, the challenge is to get City back on track before the poor run begins to affect their ambitions for the season.

The Italian inherited a team accustomed to competing for major honours, but these defeats suggest there is still work to do as the players adjust to his approach.

Although there is still time to recover in the title race, City cannot afford to let the losing streak continue. Maresca must find a way to restore the confidence and consistency that have long been central to the team’s success.