Three problems Enzo Maresca must solve at Manchester City

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca faces a challenging November international break after three consecutive Premier League defeats exposed weaknesses in his side's defensive organisation and midfield balance.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest followed losses to Aston Villa and Brighton, ending City's seven-match winning start to the league campaign.

The downturn has left City six points behind leaders Arsenal, while the club also awaits the outcome of a separate sanctions process following September's financial rules verdict.

City's defeat at the City Ground highlighted the risks associated with Maresca's possession-based approach.

Forest established a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes, with Jair Cunha scoring before former City striker Liam Delap added another.

Rayan Cherki reduced the deficit, but Delap struck again to secure a significant victory for Oliver Glasner's side.

City enjoyed lengthy periods in possession, yet struggled to contain Forest when the hosts attacked directly.

The result raised questions about the space behind City's defensive line and the protection available when possession changes hands.

Maresca's system requires defenders to operate high up the pitch while midfielders provide passing options during attacks. When those positions are not adequately covered, opponents can exploit the gaps left behind.

Forest's ability to turn attacking transitions into goals illustrated the problem.

City's midfield structure is another area Maresca must examine during the international break.

Enzo Fernández and Cherki offer technical quality and creativity, but selecting both can place additional defensive responsibility on Elliot Anderson.

Cherki remains capable of producing decisive attacking moments, as his goal against Forest demonstrated. However, his positioning without possession becomes important when City lose the ball.

Rodri's absence from the holding midfield role has also left Maresca searching for a reliable balance between attacking ambition and defensive security.

The manager must decide whether a more conservative midfield combination would offer greater protection or whether adjustments to the team's pressing structure could address the problem.

City's recent defeats suggest that dominating possession alone is not enough when opponents can create dangerous opportunities from comparatively few attacks.

Finding a way to control those transitions without sacrificing attacking creativity will be central to their response.

City's difficult run comes as the club awaits potential sanctions following a landmark Premier League disciplinary ruling.

On 29 September, the league confirmed that an independent commission had found City guilty of serious financial rule breaches covering the period from 2009/10 to 2017/18.

The commission also upheld the majority of allegations relating to the club's failure to co-operate with the investigation.

City dispute the findings and have announced their intention to challenge the decision through the available appeal process.

The question of punishment is being considered separately, with possible sanctions under Premier League rules including financial penalties and points deductions.

However, no specific sanction or official announcement date has been confirmed.

Maresca previously insisted that the proceedings had strengthened unity within the club rather than undermined it.

There is therefore no established evidence that the financial situation has contributed to City's recent performances.

Nevertheless, the unresolved disciplinary process creates uncertainty around the club's wider season, particularly as Maresca attempts to revive their title challenge.

Maresca will use the November international break to assess City's defensive structure and midfield combinations before domestic football resumes.

The immediate priority is ending the losing run and preventing Arsenal from extending their advantage.

Off the pitch, City must await further developments in the disciplinary proceedings, with the eventual sanction potentially carrying significant consequences for their Premier League campaign.