Why Man City’s defeat does not mean they desperately need a new striker - Danny Murphy

[Animous]

It would be foolish to start thinking there is too much wrong with Manchester City, purely on the strength of their 1-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Whenever City lose, it is seen as a catastrophe. Even more so when they don't score.

So, much has been made about how drawing a blank on Sunday supposedly showed how badly they need a new centre-forward to successfully defend their title, whether or not they sign Spurs striker Harry Kane.

I disagree on that. Yes, they struggled in the final third against Spurs and I can understand why their fans were disappointed by their performance, but you have to give a lot of credit to Tottenham for their organisation and work-rate in keeping City so quiet.

City didn't have the solid defence we got so used to watching last season either, but then it wasn't their usual back four who lined up.

When you look at the players Pep Guardiola still has to come back to all areas of his team, there is absolutely no need to worry about the defending champions going forward.

We know that from last season - we doubted them then after they made a slow start, but they came good and ended up dominating despite playing without a recognised number nine most of the time.

You have to remember that now. I wouldn't just look at this game in isolation and think City need Kane or someone else to have any chance of winning the Premier League, in the same way I wouldn't say they have suddenly got defensive issues because they struggled a bit at the back against Spurs.

[Silent Watcher]

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