Pep Guardiola has brushed off concerns over Manchester City's sudden struggles to create chances as he looks to guide his side to a first win in three games.
City welcome Tottenham after dismal defeats against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and then a frustrating loss at Manchester United after taking the lead at Old Trafford. That goal - a Jack Grealish header - was City's only shot on target across both defeats, and the downturn in fortunes in front of goal has led to some questions over their reliance on Erling Haaland.
Despite Haaland's 27 goals, City have a similar scoring record to previous seasons, and Guardiola tasked his side with being better in the build-up to create more chances for Haaland rather than placing any further pressure on the striker.
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Previewing the Tottenham clash, Guardiola insisted there is no mental problem behind the shot-on-target issue, and presented an alternative theory for City's recent struggles.
"It is the reason our fluidity has not been as good as usual," he said.
"Sometimes, to make chances you need to make a good build-up, put the ball inside to open and spread the defensive lines and we struggled in the last two games.
"No [it's not a mentality issue]. When we play good it is because of tactical reasons and when we play [bad] is it because of tactics reasons. I have the duty to find that and this is what I have to do. The mentality of this group of players, not at all."
Defending Haaland, Guardiola added that City's overall performances have remained unaffected by the lack of chances created in the last week, again challenging the squad to create more chances for whoever plays upfront.
"We have played really good with him so it is not about that," Guardiola continued. "To play better, to create more chances is to provide more balls for him or the other strikers. This is what we have to work with."
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