Manchester City players are determined to use defeat to Tottenham as a wake-up call in their title race with Liverpool.
After Jurgen Klopp's side beat Norwich on Saturday, City were defeated by Spurs at teatime to reduce the gap between the Blues and second place to six points.
Liverpool play Leeds in their game in hand this week, while they also visit the Etihad Stadium in April, meaning their title chances are theoretically back in their own hands.
City remain favourites to retain the league, but the Spurs setback has the potential to slow their momentum and revitalise Liverpool. However, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says City's post-match message in the Etihad dressing room was a positive one.
“I think during the whole game we deserved to win," he said.
"But football is sometimes crazy and unfortunately today we made easy mistakes, we gave them easy balls to have the possibility to counter-attack and unfortunately that made us lose the game. They were also ruthless when finishing up front. We had a lot of chances and had the possibility to score a few more goals.
"I think the point is that we gave them the chances too easily and that is the frustrating part for me, to be honest. It didn’t feel like we made a bad game, not at all, to be honest. We moved the ball quite well, especially towards the end of the first half, they defended so deep. It is not easy to move the ball and create things.
"Sometimes you have these games and you have to learn from it. It is maybe a good wake-up call for us that there is still a long way to go.”
Asked what the message between the squad was at full-time, Gundogan said: "Nothing specific. We know there is still a long way to go and the season is still long. Maybe this is a good sign for us that nothing is given and we need to earn every single three points."
Gundogan also said City know Liverpool will fight until the end, regardless of Saturday's results.
“It is not a situation we are not used to," he admitted.
"We know from recent seasons that there are always contenders, especially Liverpool. They are always up there so we know they are going to try everything to make our lives as difficult as possible.
"The good thing is that there is still a game here at the Etihad against them but there are many more games to play. There is still a long way to go.”
