Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s Premier League title defense suffered a major blow after Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal gave Tottenham a 1-0 win over the champions on Sunday.
also read: Arsenal surprised by struggling Everton
Guardiola’s men should have moved within two points of leaders Arsenal with victory in north London, but Kane’s first-half strike – which made him Tottenham’s all-time top scorer with 267 goals – put the Gunners in control of the title race.
Second-placed City are five points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand and host Guardiola on February 15.
This will be a must-win game for City if they are to have any hope of overhauling Mikel Arteta’s side, who were halted on Saturday as Everton struggled to a shock 1-0 win over the Gunners.
Asked how frustrated he was at missing the chance to close the gap on Arsenal, Guardiola said: “Yes, of course, Arsenal have dropped a few, a few points so far and there are always opportunities.
“It is important to be close to Arsenal and leave the fifth place in the table, if Tottenham is now, far away.
“We are not in a position to think about winning.”
Tottenham’s magnificent new stadium has been a house of horrors for City since it opened in 2019.
They have lost in five visits and have not scored a single goal there.
After dominating possession in the early stages, City lost badly after Kane’s history-making goal.
With Kevin De Bruyne left on the bench and Phil Foden out of the team due to illness, City lacked the creative quality to provide Erling Haaland with the chances Kane buried.
Haaland, who was well looked after by Cristian Romero before the Tottenham defender’s late red card, failed to score on goal for the first time since his move from Borussia Dortmund last season.
It was a worrying scene for Guardiola, who faced criticism for leaving out Belgian De Bruyne for “tactical” reasons.
– ‘We are not the same’ –
With Joao Cancelo surprisingly allowed to join Bayern Munich on loan last week, Guardiola once again deployed youngster Rico Lewis on the left.
Lewis has plenty of potential, but his inexperience in the role perfected by Cancelo as a defender who has the license to roam the midfield was evident as Tottenham got rid of him with ease.
City’s third straight defeat also raises questions about Guardiola’s confidence in Jack Grealish and centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake – unable to replicate the formidable presence provided by Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, who were both unused substitutes .
Guardiola admitted his side’s latest inconsistent display is part of a worrying pattern that City have been unable to overcome during a campaign that threatens to falter.
“Of course I am very grateful to the players. I always try to do my best, I don’t want to put too much but I know,” he said.
“I’ve said many times that I know we’re not the same after so many wins. I’m included, I’m the first to talk about it.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past or the success we had. No, we have to try to do it again. Now we are sad, tomorrow we will think.
Having won four titles in the last five seasons, City look more vulnerable than at any time during Guardiola’s reign.
With long-time rivals Liverpool in 10th place, a changing of the guard in the Premier League could be imminent.
Asked about his ability to battle with City and Liverpool for the top prize when he was hired as Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag suggested he could change the balance of power.
“I like both of them. He played very good football. Eras are over,” said Ten Hag.
Guardiola hopes Ten Hag’s bold predictions will not come true.