PEP FRETS OVER CITY DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES

PEP GUARDIOLA admitted concern over Manchester City’s leaky defence but stressed his side must not lose their identity in their bid to plug the holes.

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

City have conceded six goals in their past two games as they edged thrillers in a 3-2 victory against Leeds and a 5-4 win at Fulham, ahead of hosting Sunderland today.

Guardiola (above) watched his side throw away a two-goal lead against Leeds before Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner, while Fulham clawed their way back from 5-1 down.

Asked about the six goals they have shipped, Guardiola said:

“All the goals were from the edge [of the box] and we didn't have players there to defend that position, but it's different players and different qualities.