While Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in the unlikeliest of positions having to battle desperately for a Champions League berth next season, the manager did not mince his words in describing the enormity of the challenge.

BrightonCity lost at Nottingham Forest last weekend to throw more doubt over whether or not they will finish in the Champions League qualification spots, and they twice coughed up a lead against Brighton to draw this weekend.

Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal meant the teams had to settle for a point leaving the race for Champions League football wide open