Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits his players are failing to meet standards.

City host Arsenal on Sunday, knowing victory will take them within two points of Liverpool and keep the pressure on Jurgen Klopp's side, who travel to West Ham on Monday.

But Guardiola said City can forget any idea of getting back into the title race unless they take maximum points against Unai Emery's side at the Etihad Stadium.

"It doesn't matter, if we are five, six, seven or eight points behind, we have to improve our game," said Guardiola. “That's the issue.

"We have to improve our game. Regarding the last game, that's what we have to focus on.

“We are not happy about the last performance. Everyone knew at half-time and at the end of the game.

“But if we didn't have motivation, then we wouldn't be here. We want to sustain the top level.

“The team know our principles and how to improve – simple things, a few things. Against Newcastle, we didn't create or do something different."