Rodri makes title race admission and sets bold Man City points tally target

Manchester City need a break from the Premier League title race admits Rodri admits, after the Blues battled to a draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

After having the best of the first half at Anfield, Liverpool roared back to take a point that looked at times like it could turn into three. Only after Pep Guardiola made changes to bring on Mateo Kovacic did City regain control in a second half that the manager described as a 'tsunami' against his side.

The result leaves City third, a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal who are separated by the Gunners' superior goal difference. Arsenal are up next for City, but only after this weekend's FA Cup clash with Newcastle and the international break. And that three week gap between league fixtures has come at a good time for City according to Rodri.

ALSO READ: I saw what Pep Guardiola did compared to Jurgen Klopp at full time - and it proved Anfield point

ALSO READ: Doku's penalty reaction and Ederson injury hint - Man City scenes after Liverpool draw spoke volumes

"We need a break," he said after the game. "We have the FA Cup game and then go to the international teams, so it will be good for us to refresh and give the last push at the end of the season."

Guardiola has alluded to tiredness in his squad of late, which is supported by Rodri's comments However the influential Spaniard believes City will come good in the run-in - even if they need a near perfect record to pip Liverpool and Arsenal to the title.

He said: "We know how good we are in the last part of the season. We just need to charge the batteries again and focus on the last 10 games. It seems you have to win nine or 10 games to win this Premier League. This is the challenge and we are going to go for it."

If City take