Manuel Pellegrini: 'Manchester United remain in Premier League title race'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that there has been no change in the race for the Premier League title, despite Manchester United's defeat to Everton in midweek.

The result at Old Trafford left United 12 points behind leaders Arsenal, and while refusing to rule out the club's bitter rivals, Pellegrini has admitted that he would prefer to focus on gaining points with his own side.

The 60-year-old told reporters: "I think that the fight for the Premier League is exactly the same. There are eight or nine teams that are very close on points.

"For us, it is very important to continue winning. But we have five more games to complete the first half of the season, and then we have all of the second half."

City are currently sitting in third position in the Premier League table.