• Premier League

Pellegrini 'concerned' with City away form

Manuel Pellegrini is looking for another reaction from his Manchester City side after their defeat to Sunderland © PA Photos

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Manuel Pellegrini has warned that Manchester City's bout of travel sickness could derail their Premier League title challenge.

City lost 1-0 at Sunderland for the fourth successive season on Sunday, and have now taken only four points from a possible 18 on the road so far.

Pellegrini was at a loss to explain how his team had come away from the Stadium of Light empty-handed after dominating for long periods, and said their hopes of glory could be dashed unless they can arrest the trend.

"I am concerned because we are losing too many points away and, of course, that's very difficult if you don't win away to try to fight for the Premier League," Pellegrini said. "But I don't think we are playing badly, so we must have a reaction, we must improve to make sure we are going to win."

Former Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley's 21st-minute strike - his second goal in five days - proved enough to claim three priceless points for the home side after he shrugged off James Milner and curled a shot across Costel Pantilimon and inside the far post.

With Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone and a defence marshalled superbly by Wes Brown - starting his first league game in almost 22 months - holding firm, there was no way through.

"The reaction is very similar to the other games that we have lost away. It's incredible the way we lost this match," Pellegrini said.

"Sunderland played really well also defending. The team is not in a good position, so I understand the way they played. But they had just one shot on our goal. We had the possession, we had the chances and we didn't score."

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