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Pep Guardiola insists it is too early to consider Saturday\u2019s shock defeat to Norwich as a blow to Manchester City\u2019s title ambitions.<\/p>\nPep Guardiola insists it is too early to consider Saturday\u2019s shock defeat to Norwich as a blow to Manchester City\u2019s title ambitions.<\/p>\n
The reigning Premier League champions were deservedly beaten 3-2 at Carrow Road as the injury-hit Canaries took advantage of defensive frailties from the visitors to notch up a famous win.<\/p>\n
Kenny McLean headed the hosts in front from a corner before Todd Cantwell doubled the lead \u2013 only for a Manchester City comeback to seemingly start as Sergio Ag\u00fcero pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time.<\/p>\n
But Norwich did not buckle and Teemu Pukki\u2019s sixth of the season soon after the restart \u2013 gifted to him after Nicolas Otamendi dallied in possession before being robbed of the ball on the edge of his own box \u2013 restored their two-goal advantage.<\/p>\n
Rodri arrowed in a late consolation but the defeat leaves Guardiola\u2019s side five points behind title rivals Liverpool \u2013 who are yet to drop any points.<\/p>\n
Despite the setback, Guardiola believes it would be premature to consider it pivotal in the chase for a third consecutive league title.<\/p>\n
\u201cFive points (behind Liverpool) is five points \u2013 but we are in September,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are we supposed to do? Say \u2018it\u2019s September and congratulations to Liverpool, you champions?\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cNot for one second am I going to doubt my players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guardiola also refused to criticize his players despite the defensive errors.<\/p>\n
\u201cNico (Otamendi) doesn\u2019t know someone is coming and nobody tells him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes you know we make mistakes. I think sometimes we forget these guys are human.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball is quick, things can go wrong and I must see what I can do to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Norwich, this was a second victory since their return to the top-flight.<\/p>\n
It will eclipse their win over Newcastle given the standard of opposition and the fact manager Daniel Farke was forced into naming two goalkeepers on the bench due to the length of his injury list.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is definitely a proud night without a doubt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo win against the best team in the world as Norwich City who are promoted and have no chance to spend money and an incredible amount of injuries, it was a win for our key people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Farke also called on Norwich supporters to enjoy the win \u2013 although his own celebrations would be limited.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a night to remember without any doubt,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be happy when I\u2019m back on the sofa. I\u2019m too old and too exhausted to celebrate and we have training in the morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that I will be on the sofa with coffee and maybe some cake. That is how I celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n