• Premier League

We cannot afford to drop another point - Barry

Gareth Barry has told his Manchester City team-mates that they cannot afford to drop another point if they want to win the Premier League title.

City's title aspirations took another blow on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, allowing arch-rivals Manchester United to go into Monday's game against Fulham knowing that a win will put them three points clear at the top.

Frustrated at dropping two more crucial points, Barry believes his side must now win all of their remaining matches to be sure they claim the title - with the looming visit of United to the Etihad Stadium a decisive fixture.

"We are disappointed because we wanted to win the game but we have got to look at the big picture now and concentrate on the next eight games," Barry said. "We were a bit deflated in the dressing room but we have gone a goal down here, which is a really tough place to come, and come back to get a point which keeps us in touching distance.

"It is important now we keep it to no more than the three points for when we do play Manchester United. We can't be relying on other teams - we have got to try to win all our games from now until the end of the season.

"That is our target. It is going to be really tough but while it is in our hands it is still possible. We are confident we can do that."

Manager Roberto Mancini opted not to speak to the media after Saturday's game, apparently fearful he would get himself into trouble with the authorities as he fumed over Stoke's physically imposing style of play.

Barry, however, would not use that as an excuse - believing referee Howard Webb would have taken action if he saw fit.

"The game was exactly as we expected and as we have had the last few years we have come here. It was a tough battle," Barry added. "But Howard's the best referee in England so we have got to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"I think overall we definitely had the better chances. We should have won with the chances we had, if we had kept a cooler head when they came for us."

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