Pep Guardiola says the intense pressure on his players is driving them on.

With five games to go, the Blues know – as things stand – dropping points would be a hammer blow to hopes of a fourth successive Premier League title.

But the boss says his players are reacting exactly the way they need to, knowing there can be no slip-ups on the run in.

“We know if we don’t win or draw there won’t be chance to fight until the end,” said Guardiola.

“Of course the pressure is there, otherwise we can’t perform like that. Five games left, onto the next one that all I can say.”

BRIGHTON 0-4 CITY | MATCH REPORT

Pep also dismissed that City being in similar pressured situations in previous title races gives his team an advantage this season and say it counts for nothing.

“What we have done in the past doesn’t mean it will happen in the future,” said the boss.

“To do it again, you have to make it happen. I’d love to say if you win the last three Premier League titles, you will win 4-0 here and win the next games - but it doesn’t happen [like that].

“We have five games left - tough ones like Forest and what they’re playing for. 

“What happened to Liverpool can happen to us and Arsenal. 

“People don’t expect them to lose against Crystal Palace and yesterday against Everton, but it can happen – it’s football. 

“Everton playing [to keep clear of the] relegation zone, play for their lives. 

“Like Forest. Maybe it was a real contender for us, my appreciation for Liverpool is higher than ever. 

“You see the game they draw at Old Trafford the chances they miss, or yesterday, Pickford was exceptional. 

“Against Palace the chances they miss. Tell me the reason why, I’ll tell you why - it’s football. 

“I can give examples for my team, too. It’s there. I know the character from Liverpool institution and team, they will fight until the end. We have to do it, too.

 “If we are not humble enough and don’t give credit to other teams it’s not going to happen. 

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“I don’t know [if they watched Liverpool lose to Everton], I didn’t ask them if they watched the game.

“I’m sure they have an eye on that. They know Goodison Park is not easy. 

“They had to do the job here and they have done it. 

“Now its recover - I have to see Nottingham and see how the players recover  and choose a line-up.”