Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists defeat at Newcastle United hasn't ended their title defence.

Liverpool can now go seven points clear at the top tonight if they win their game in hand at home to Leicester.

But Guardiola said: “It is a lot of points if we are going to win. But, at the same time, it is January not April or May.

"We have many games and anything can happen.

“We will try and not give up."

And Guardiola backed his players, insisting they did not underestimate struggling Newcastle.

He added: “I love these players. They gave me all the prestige I have here in England, so we are only here to help them.

“We won eight games in a row and scored 30 goals. We conceded one or two and that sometimes happens."