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.

Guardiola has praised the rise of mid-table teams such as Brighton to challenge for top spots this season, and when asked on Friday if he considered Saturday's opponents as rivals, he said: "And Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, and Newcastle (United), and maybe Fulham. Fantastic teams.

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