Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been reacting to suggestions that his team are now the favourites to win the Premier League after Liverpool again dropped points last night.
Liverpool have failed to take maximum points from both Leicester and West Ham in recent weeks meaning their lead at the top which was looked commanding is now decidedly fragile.
On Wednesday, Manchester City have the chance to put more pressure on Liverpool when they go to Goodison Park. Some Everton fans may shudder at the thought of doing their near neighbours a favour but the Toffees are in desperate need of a pick-me-up after they were thumped by Wolves last weekend. If City win they will go top of the Premier League for the first time in two months.
Guardiola told reporters: "Three or four days ago we were already done - the champions were Liverpool. And now we can be leading.
“We try to be calm. There will be surprises and it will be tough for teams to win every game. Non-contenders have the ability to create problems."
Guardiola said it was important that his side continued to focus on their own performances.
He said: "What I'm more concerned is never forget who we are as a team, doing what we have to do. That's what I want to watch, and after we see about the results, the table.
“I would say it's typical in England, what's not common is what happened last season, 18 games in a row, 100 points,” he said. “Normal is what happens now - you can win or lose every single game, every team involved in the title, or Europe, or staying in the Premier League.”
It's tough for every team to win games. I talk to my players and say don't forget who we are as a team.
We are a strong team and that's what I want to watch every game.
