Insecurities and injuries snowball into City slump

LONDON - English champion Manchester City slumped to a third shock defeat in four Premier League games at Leicester on Wednesday to slip to third in the standings, seven points adrift of unbeaten leader Liverpool.

Just a few weeks ago City seemed unstoppable as it started its title defense with a 15-game unbeaten run.

However, a 2-0 reverse at Chelsea has sparked a run of three defeats in 18 days as Crystal Palace and Leicester both came from behind to hand Liverpool a huge advantage in the title race ahead of the Reds' trip to City on Jan 3.