Pep Guardiola was proud of Manchester City’s efforts but accepted their faint hopes of winning the Premier League title were gone following the 2-1 defeat to leaders Chelsea.

“The Premier League is gone and of course now will be a battle to qualify for the Champions League,” Guardiola told BT Sport, with his side lying fourth – four points ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal and having played a game more.

“We played good all the game so it was a result a little bit for our season – in the boxes we create enough chances to win, always more than the opponent.

“But I am a lucky guy to be with these players. We played the way we played and, of course, we are sad because we didn’t win, but I am so, so happy to come here to Stamford Bridge and play the way we played.

“We created a lot of chances and defended, most of the time, well.”

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the first person to beat Guardiola home and away in a league campaign, having prevailed 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in December.