Pellegrini plays it cool on title hopes

MANUEL Pellegrini does not believe Manchester City are the new Barclays Premier League title favourites.

If they win their remaining three matches, City could be crowned champions on goal difference - just as in 2012, following their 2–0 victory at Crystal Palace.

City trail Liverpool by three points and second–placed Chelsea by one. But City have played a game fewer and have a better goal difference than their title rivals.

City manager Pellegrini conceded his side have at least regained control of their destiny, but rejected suggestions their clear goal–difference edge on Chelsea and Liverpool has any bearing.

“No advantage now, no, but it depends what we can do in the future, that’s very important,” said Pellegrini after fit–again Yaya Toure powered City to a controlled Selhurst Park victory.

Pellegrini hailed his players for not allowing Chelsea’s victory at Anfield to prove a distraction against Palace.

“The players knew the score, but it was a very professional performance. It could have been difficult for us to manage the game but we did it very well,” he said.

“We've got to concentrate on the games ahead of us. We must win the three games, I’ve said all year that all the big teams must feel pressure to win the title.”