Kyle Walker moment sends Man City an awkward reality they must accept

Let's start with the positives.

It will go ignored, but Kyle Walker showed his value and leadership qualities when he fronted up after Manchester City's worst home defeat under Pep Guardiola. He did the same at Brighton.

As captain, he stuck to his word that he will back his teammates when things are going right and protect them when things are going against them. As ever, he always says the right things that captains should in public.

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That protection from some difficult questions can shield some of his younger colleagues from scrutiny when they would have been soul-searching. The impact of that won't be known immediately, but will surely be appreciated within the dressing room.

Walker returned ahead of schedule from injury earlier this month after a pointed remark from Guardiola in a pre-match press conference. He is clearly far from his best condition but is putting his body on the line for his team when they need him - nobody can doubt his commitment to City.

And for all the grumbles on social media about his captaincy, he is leading by example and that shouldn't be ignored - and neither should the fact that his teammates voted him captain.

However, it also can't be ignored that he is struggling.

Injuries and fitness are a crucial factor in that - his game is based on his power and strength so when that is not fully there it is harder for any player to play to their best. It would be like taking Erling Haaland's finishing or Kevin De Bruyne's vision away from them.

Get that back and Walker will