Manchester City looked ready to accelerate after beating Nottingham Forest in December, but setbacks against Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester United, and Bodo/Glimt have raised doubts. Despite eight straight wins to close 2025, Pep Guardiola’s men have started 2026 unconvincingly. They remain alive on four fronts, including the League Cup, but currently lack the aura of inevitable winners.