BEWARE SLIDES OF MARCH

Guardiola is facing second season without trophy after latest setback

- BY STEVE JUDGE

THIS was always going to be a defining eight days in Manchester City's season - and a test of Pep Guardiola's legacy.

Long before he arrived at London Stadium, the Premier League's Caesar would have been wary of the sides of March.

Now he teeters between ushering in a successful new era and suffering back-to-back trophyless seasons for the first time in his career.

The first dagger blows have already landed.

By this time next week, the FA Cup may be the only silverware within reach.

Failure to win at West Ham has left City nine points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Tomorrow, they must produce the greatest rescue act of Guardiola's reign, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit, to avoid a third straight Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.

Then, on Sunday, comes Wembley, and a Carabao Cup final against the Gunners that threatens to become Guardiola's 'Et tu, Mikel?' moment.