After winning the Premier League in six of the previous seven campaigns, last season was dismissed as a blip as Manchester City suffered just their second trophyless term under Pep Guardiola.
There were mitigating circumstances, such as the 115 charges hanging over the club, speculation over Guardiola's future and injury to midfielder Rodri.
But, after spending roughly £330m across this summer and January's transfer window, City were expected to return refreshed, revitalised and ready to reclaim the Premier League title.
Evidence of that is in short supply.
In fact, following Brighton's last-gasp 2-1 victory on Sunday, City have now made their worst start to a Premier League campaign since the 2004-05 season - and no team in a 38-game campaign has recovered from their position to win the title.