Manuel Pellegrini has admitted City’s goalless draw with Norwich is a setback but he insists his squad will continue to believe they can win the Premier League title.

The draw at Carrow Road means the Blues lie fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Leicester with only nine games to go. However, the Chilean has refused to rule out City’s title chances.

He said: “Of course we dropped two important points. My mind is always focused now to the next game and while it is mathematically possible we must try to do it.

“The only way forward is to think of the Champions League game on Tuesday and after that we play against Manchester United at home.

“We will try to get the three points and at the end of the season see which side has the most points but when you have so few games to play and you are losing points it is always difficult.”

City had over two thirds of the possession in the tie but struggled find a way past the stubborn Canaries defence. The Blues managed eight shots with the most notable moment coming as Sergio Aguero’s low drive forced an excellent John Ruddy save in the first half.

Pellegrini continued: “We dominated the game from the first minute to the end but we were not clear in the last third where we needed to create more space against a team that defended very well.

“Normally, we have a lot of possession and create a lot of chances in the last third but today we couldn’t do it. We played with great concentration and intensity but you need a little more if you want to score goals.