Will Manchester City regret not buying a striker?

The reigning champions look back to close to their very best but the lack of a killer instinct cost them against Liverpool on Sunday and could do so again

Pep Guardiola’s champions failed to kill off Liverpool (EPA)

It wasn't that long ago that many were doubting whether Manchester City would mount a fitting defence of their Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola's side walked to the league crown a year ago, virtually wrapping it up months ahead of schedule before eventually triumphing 12 points ahead of their nearest challengers.

But a slower than planned start to this campaign, allied with lightning fast beginnings from rivals around them, had whispers beginning to grow that a retention of the trophy would be a step too far.