Pep Guardiola insists Man City Premier League bid not over - but accepts Erling Haaland goal drought a problem

Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title race is not over - but accepted his side are missing the consistency, creativity and Erling Haaland goals they require.

City are now nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and, although they have a game in hand, their 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday night was a huge boost to the Gunners' dreams of ending their title wait.

On Friday, Guardiola had said if City dropped points the race would be over. He rowed back on that after the game at the London Stadium but struck a concessionary tone as he noted the issues which are likely to prevent his side mounting the epic winning streak which would be needed to turn things around with eight games to play.