Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he will target overtaking his club’s closest rivals in the Premier League table, such as Arsenal, having downplayed his team’s chances of winning the title.

The club’s 2-0 defeat to table-toppers Liverpool on Sunday leaves the champions 11 points adrift of the summit, with Saturday’s win over West Ham taking Arsenal two points ahead of the Blues.

The Gunners sit second in the table after putting together a three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, with Manchester United next up at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. However, they are still some nine points off league leaders Liverpool.

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And with Man City two points further back, Guardiola says his players need to adjust their title goals this season. He is looking to beat those in the chasing pack first before thinking about any loftier goals, with his side winless since October.

"After the results in the past, to think about a big target [winning Premier League] would be a big mistake,” Guardiola said.“We need to beat a team close to us and take advantage to be closer to the top four.

“We are not far away from being the second team in the league but it is all about consistency. Liverpool as a team have been magnificent and you just have to fight and win games. Step by step we have to move forward again."

Mikel Arteta himself is not writing Man City out of the race just yet, though. He pointed out that their past successes should be enough of a warning about their ability to bounce back.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Arsenal boss said of the title holders: “It is a team that has the capacity to turn this around and win, win, win and win. So don't rule them out because you know how much quality and the coach that they have.”