Manchester City arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later today in desperate need of a response. Their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday did more than just dent their title ambitions — it exposed a side struggling to find rhythm at the business end of the season.Pep Guardiola’s men have now lost three of their last four matches in all competitions. Possession has not been the issue, but without Erling Haaland, the lack of a focal point has been glaring. Against Liverpool, City saw more of the ball yet barely troubled Alisson Becker. “I hope so, but we don’t know yet,” Guardiola said when asked about Haaland’s availability for Wednesday.The challenge does not get any easier. Tottenham Hotspur are back in form, hunting a fourth straight league win and chasing a piece of history. Having already beaten City twice this season, they could become the first team to defeat both Manchester clubs three times in a single campaign.Ange Postecoglou’s men flexed their attacking muscle at the weekend with a 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town. Son Heung-min provided two assists, Brennan Johnson scored twice, and Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski also found the net. The hosts are brimming with confidence, and their home form underlines the threat they pose.Spurs have scored in 18 straight games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and their defensive improvement has been just as important. After conceding in 10 consecutive home matches, they have now kept three clean sheets in their last four. “A fantastic team, individual quality that they’ve always had,” Guardiola said. “The rhythm they play with, the intensity, incredible runners in transition.”City, in contrast, have won just two of their last nine Premier League away games, both against struggling sides. Their recent trips to North London have been forgettable, with Spurs winning 4-0 and 2-1 in their previous meetings this season.With Aston Villa and Chelsea playing a day earlier, City could start this game outside the top four. Guardiola remains defiant about the challenge of keeping his squad competitive. “We have done it already,” he said. “After nine years it’s not the same team we started with. We have done it two or three times already.”If City are to stay in the title race, another reinvention may be required. A victory at one of their least favourite venues would be a good place to start.