Guardiola: It will be difficult to deny Liverpool the title

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that the Premier League title is now in Liverpool's hands after his team fell to another painful defeat on Tuesday.

The reverse was City's fourth Premier League defeat this season, three of which have come in the last seven games in a run that has allowed Liverpool to cut loose at the top.

Jurgen Klopp's men can go seven points clear with a victory against Leicester City on Wednesday, and Pep recognises his men face an uphill task to retain their crown.

"It is difficult. We have a chance to do it but we need to win our games,” Guardiola explained to reporters.

“The advantage is not there but we need to continue. We have to do our games and know what we have to do.

“You can lose. Football is competitive.

"We had a chance today to reduce the lead. Tomorrow is a game for our opponent. When you are behind you have to win games and we couldn't do that.

"I know the challenge is big, being in all competitions is what it is. If you want to go up as a club you have to accept that challenge. I prefer to be in that position."