Guardiola has lost four games in a row for the first time as Man City manager.

Manchester City fans are convinced that Pep Guardiola is playing one of his key players out of position after their side’s fourth consecutive defeat.

City had previously never lost four games in a row under the Spaniard, but a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex has consigned them to that unwanted statistic.

They have been racked with injuries in recent weeks, with Guardiola even claiming he had a ‘terrible squad’ in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

While that statement will almost certainly have been made in jest, the Spaniard has had to make significant changes to his XI in recent weeks.

Matheus Nunes has had to play on the left of midfield, with Kyle Walker shifting into centre-back alongside youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

But City fans are more concerned about the position of Rico Lewis, who has had to play in both full-back positions during the injury crisis.

And they are urging Guardiola to move him into midfield instead.

Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “Rico Lewis is definitely not the answer to our right-back problems. He’s got potential and a good young player but needs to be moved to midfield.”

Another stated: “Rico Lewis is not a good defender. My word.”

A third asked: “In what world is Rico Lewis a defender?”

Rico Lewis in action for Man City against Brighton – Getty

And a fourth stated: “Rico Lewis isn’t actually a very good defender is he? Great on the ball but a lot of goals seem to come through whatever side he’s on.”

City had taken the lead through Erling Haaland’s first half strike, and maintained their 1-0 advantage up until half-time.

But Brighton dominated the second half, and got their deserved equaliser through Joao Pedro.

Summer signing Matt O’Riley then sealed the comeback win for the Seagulls on 83 minutes. Brighton move up to fourth place, while City are second and two points behind Liverpool having played a game more before the Reds’ 8pm clash against Aston Villa.