Wick double stuns Blues

MANAGER Manuel Pellegrini conceded that Manchester City’s title hopes have suffered a serious blow following last night’s 2-2 home draw against Sunderland.

City needed a late equaliser by Samir Nasri to avoid defeat by the Premier League's bottom club, leaving Liverpool now six points ahead and Chelsea four points in front, though both have played a game more.

Sunderland’s survival chances remain slim, but Connor Wickham’s double – his first league goals for Sunderland since October 2011 – after Fernandinho had given City an early lead keeps alive their hopes.

Pellegrini blamed Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool for affecting the players. He said: “Of course the chances are less than before the match. It was very important for us to win the three points, for different reasons we couldn’t but we continue fighting to the end. I think we couldn’t take out of the mind the game against Liverpool and that was the consequence why the team didn’t play well.”