Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits defeat at Newcastle has handed them a heavy title blow.

Guardiola says they failed to cope with Newcastle's long ball tactics.

He explained, "It wasn't our best. We start with a goal but in the game we didn't have the rhythm to impose our game. The second balls and long balls we didn't take it. We had the chances but when this happens everything is open. Congratulations to Newcastle."

On the title race, he added: "It is difficult. We have a chance to do it but we need to win our games. 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."