Two Premier League defeats, both traceable to the same flank. Enzo Maresca has a decision to make at left-back, and the solution may already be sitting in his squad.
City's recent losses to Aston Villa and Brighton were characterised by poor finishing, defensive errors and a lack of synergy on the pitch. Josko Gvardiol, deployed at left-back, found himself exposed in both.
Gvardiol's struggles on the left
Against Villa, Ibrahim Mbaye was found in space on the right, and his cross led to the winning goal — Gvardiol could not get back to cover. Against Brighton, the same story unfolded: Maxim De Cuyper was not closed down, and his cross produced the winner at the Etihad Stadium.
There is context here. Gvardiol missed a significant chunk of last season due to a serious leg injury, and the rhythm required for the left-back role has not returned. But City's defensive errors are costing them points, and the position demands a sharper edge.
O'Reilly's claim
Nico O'Reilly is now fit after a back injury suffered in the warm-up before City's 1-0 win over Coventry City. The England international was arguably City's player of the season last season, playing at left-back. His form earned him a spot in England's World Cup squad last summer.
The caveat is real. O'Reilly looked tired after a busy 2025-26 season plus the World Cup. Marc Guehi has also suffered from fatigue, which has seen his performances dip — a reminder of the demands on this squad. But O'Reilly's return to fitness offers Maresca a natural left-back option, and a chance to restore balance to a defence that has leaked goals from the flank.
City's past two league matches have exposed a weakness. O'Reilly's availability gives Maresca the chance to address it.