Pep Guardiola challenged “fragile” Manchester City to accept their reality and break a shocking slump that extended to a fifth straight loss as Tottenham ran amok at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning champions’ hopes of an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League crown are evaporating as they continue to spiral.

Pep Guardiola believes 75 per cent of Premier League clubs want Manchester City relegated on the day the champions lost their legal dispute over sponsorship.

While Pep Guardiola finds himself in uncharted territory, losing five consecutive games for the first time in his outstanding managerial career, the Manchester City boss said sticking together would be key for his players during this calamitous run.