McNulty Q&A: Assessing City's recent defeats

Paul: Will we see Pep Guardiola make one or two big signings in January given this little blip? I thought they were a bit shy in the summer considering the outgoings.

McNulty: I think City suffered a big loss when Ilkay Gundogan went. He just stepped up so many times when they needed him in big games and, even with the squad they have, his ability and personality will be missed.

I am sure Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have great ability, but Gundogan was such a huge influence on and off the pitch.

I do also think it is a blip, which can happen to the greatest teams. I'm not sure Guardiola will address it with one or two big signings in January because it is rare the sort of quality City require would be available then.

I still go with City for the title - not sure about the margin, but I’m still tipping them.

@win_n10: Is this truly an open title race or is it just a matter of time before Manchester City find their groove?

McNulty: Well, it’s certainly been an encouraging week for those hoping for something other than a stroll from this season’s title race.

City are still my tip for the title, as per pre-season predictions, but Wolves and Arsenal have shown they are beatable and Guardiola’s side are short of their best. They are certainly missing Kevin de Bruyne and missed the suspended Rodri on Sunday.

Arsenal’s win may well prove to be hugely significant because they will want to go one better than last season and that win - their first in 16 league games against City - could turn out to be a massive psychological breakthrough.

Aaron H: What is your opinion on the two tackles made by Mateo Kovacic against Arsenal? Should he have been sent off?

McNulty: In my opinion, Kovacic should have been sent off. No question.

The first one on Martin Odegaard was very close to a red card and once he had committed another poor challenge on Declan Rice right after after I was amazed referee Michael Oliver did not send him off. I was equally surprised Pep Guardiola sent Kovacic out for the second half because he could not risk another foul.

Of course, unlike the fiasco of Spurs against Liverpool, this was a subjective decision made by Oliver but, to most observers, Kovacic should have gone. At least Gabriel Martinelli’s winner meant VAR wasn’t the big talking point again.

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty is taking questions from supporters on all things Premier Leaguein our live page here