'Title was in our hands.Now it's not'

PEP Guardiola insists Liverpool are now "clear favourites" to win the Premier League title and claimed his side should be considered third favourites after their Etihad stalemate with Arsenal.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

But despite his lowly view of his side's chances of winning a fourth successive title, Guardiola said it was City who were playing best of all in the three-way title race, having faced both of their rivals in March.

The Blues drew with Liverpool at Anfield and have now been held by Arsenal at the Etihad and they have failed to win any of their four games against their title rivals, but that hasn't changed Guardiola's view of who is playing the better football.

When asked what those two games had told him about the best team, Guardiola replied: "Man City." Seeing the surprise on the face of his inquisitor, he added: "Your reaction, you don't agree?

"You pretend it's 7-0 every week for six years. I recognise my team, the proposals and how we pressed high. We conceded one or two crosses.

"The way Arsenal monopolise the game... we didn't give away many corners. It's difficult. We've played against low block sometimes and Arsenal are exceptional. Well managed and the players are really good.