League finish remains our top priority, says Guardiola

PEP GUARDIOLA ruled out prioritising cup competitions for fear of missing out on the top four after Manchester City’s latest crushing defeat. The Premier League champions failed to reduce their 14-point deficit to leaders Liverpool after Wolves completed a stunning comeback victory on a fiery night at Molineux. Guardiola claimed he will not allow the Champions League or domestic trophies to take precedence — even though defending the title for a second consecutive year now looks impossible. City still have an eight-point cushion over fifth-placed Wolves. ‘We cannot prioritise any competition because if we do then next season we won’t be in Europe,’ said Guardiola (below). ‘We cannot give up, otherwise we will not be in Europe. Our response is always good and we are used to being top. Now we are fighting.’ City’s stars looked visibly stunned last night, Kyle Walker furious as he stormed down the tunnel after they blew a 2-0 lead. Bernardo Silva said: ‘It is a really bad situation for us. A frustrating first half of the season. Nobody expected us to be this far away from Liverpool at this halfway point. ‘We have to continue now. We know that winning the title is very complicated. I wouldn’t say impossible but very difficult.’ Meanwhile, Wolves will be subject of an FA investigation after missiles were thrown before half-time. A hip flask landed close to City’s players and was removed from the pitch by referee Martin Atkinson. Wolves warned both sets of supporters of ‘the throwing of foreign objects’ over the public address. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘It is not good, let’s not do it, let’s support the team and enjoy the game.’