It was the kind of result and performance that got Roberto Mancini’s predecessor at Manchester City the sack. If it wasn’t over already, their lacklustre draw at home to Stoke in the FA Cup confirmed the end of the Italian’s honeymoon period, and what was expected to be a routine victory has now become a daunting trip to fortress Britannia.

The pattern of starting games well but fading badly was systematic throughout Mark Hughes’ tenure and was one of the reasons why Mancini was brought in but the worrying trend is resurfacing.

In his first few games in charge the former Inter boss was praised for shoring up their defensive frailties and getting the balance between attack and defence right – something that Hughes was criticised for failing to do – but City have been shipping goals when questions have been asked.

The shortcomings of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool has paved the way for City to take a vice like grip on fourth place in the League but their unconvincing performances suggest there is no guarantee they will take full advantage of the glorious position they find themselves in.