Canary stings

NORWICH BEAT CITY

PEP GUARDIOLA insisted Manchester City’s shock defeat at Norwich will have zero impact on the title race.

The reverse at Carrow Road left the champions trailing Liverpool by five points after just five games.

Jurgen Klopp’s leaders have won every game so far this term.

But City boss Guardiola insisted it was far too early to draw any conclusions – and refused to slate his players for a disastrous, error-ridden defeat.

He said: “I know five points is five points but we are in September. What else can I do – say congratulations Liverpool?

“It’s really a joy as a trainer to be with these

guys. Not for one step am I going to doubt any of these guys.

“I know how they suffer and the commitment. I am happy with their performances.”

Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones combined to hand Teemu Pukki a clinching third Norwich but Guardiola refused to slate the defensive duo. He said: “Nico didn’t realise the opponent was coming, nobody talked and it was a goal. I will have to see what I can do to help.”

Midfielder Kenny McLean, who scored Norwich’s first goal, said: “I don’t think many people gave us a chance to be honest, but we came out fighting.

“There were plenty of injuries but we couldn’t use that as an excuse. “We have a good squad and a good bench and the performance was excellent.

“We got off to a flyer and we knew they would have plenty of the ball. We knew the counterfor attack and set pieces would be vital for us and it worked out that way.”

Norwich boss Daniel Farke (right) said: The dressing room is buzzing, Carrow Road is buzzing. To win against one of the best teams in the world with our injury problems is special.