Guardiola will definitely try to regain the top spot in the Premier League. But at the moment it is a very difficult task. At the same time, Manchester City has not been able to return to a good rhythm so far. After failing to win in 7 consecutive matches, Manchester City won 3-0 against Nottingham Forest. Nottingham Forest is a weak opponent. I am waiting to see how Manchester City performs against big teams.
Manchester City is currently 2 points behind Chelsea and Arsenal and 9 points behind Liverpool. It is very difficult to reduce the gap of 9 points. Because Liverpool's performance is still consistent. If Liverpool can maintain its performance stability, then it is impossible for City to regain the top spot of the table.
I saw Doku statement after their last match with Nottingham, they blast them and refused to be humiliated again in Etihad, this is the real Manchester City we have always known but despite how the team turn out, Haaland performance to score goals like the way he used to has not improved, he get bodied and don't get to make use of his opportunity like back then even now that De Bruyne get to start their important games, the strategy is still the same when you look at their formation but the performance isn't better.
If it's like last season, one can vouch for Manchester City that they are gong to come back to whee they are but look at the margin between Liverpool and Manchester City, that's 9 good points and it will take them 3 match to win while Liverpool has to lose after that, they will have to win the coming ones to be able to keep the place they have always dream otherwise, the work is going to be for nothing, Chelsea and Arsenal hasn't given up yet which means more challenges.