Manchester City went into the game against Nottingham Forest off the back of six straight wins. Confidence should have been high.
A win would have kept up their pace in the race. Then winning their game in hand could have moved them into a position where beating title rivals Arsenal would have put them top of the Premier League table.
Should have. Could have. It probably would have happened if City displayed an ability to put the game to bed.
Dropping points from winning positions has been a familiar trait this season for the Blues.
A fragility that, last season aside, is such unfamiliar territory for Pep's side. Wasteful with their chances and dispossessed too easily. A lack of real commitment and swagger, a lack of belief.
This is usually the time of season where City have the bit between their teeth. When they're chasing the title and they smell blood.
This isn't a time for first-gear build-up play. For reaching the final third and passing sideways instead of playing the through ball.
For giving the ball away so cheaply. This is a time for showing the want, the desire. For kicking the door down instead of giving it a polite knock.
Take nothing away from the visitors.
Forest are fighting for their Premier League lives and their two goals, superb from Morgan Gibbs-White and City target Elliot Anderson, were worthy of securing their precious point.
At times, they played with courage. They battled. They benefited from City's generosity in giving up the ball so easily. But they believed. City didn't.
Perhaps an element of game management comes into it. City are still in all four competitions, with hugely important trips to both Newcastle and Real Madrid in the next five days.
But when Pep called for a higher intensity, a greater press and the result is pedestrian possession – how long will they remain fighting on all four fronts?
It's now 13 points dropped from winning positions this season.
If City are to be the bridesmaids instead of taking their vows come May, they'll only have themselves to blame.
Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester – find all their Man City audio here
