Burnley manager Owen Coyle believes that Manchester City will find it hard to mount a sustained title challenge this season.

The Citizens have been held to draws in their last four Premier League games, with Mark Hughes' side slipping some way off the pace as a consequence.

That prompted Coyle to tell the Evening Telegraph:"There will, I believe, be a concerted push to be in that top four for a Champions League spot and look to take that club onwards.

"I think at this stage they would need everything to go their way for the title because, particularly with the three at the moment – Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal – and the consistency they are showing.

"They don't have to play at the top of their game every week to win matches.

"They know how to be champions and they know how to be at the top end and I think that's something they're used to, because it's been season upon season with them being in the mix for honours.

"I think there's a lot to be said for when you're evolving, and obviously now at Manchester City, whereas before they might have been happy to be in the top eight or top six, all of a sudden they're looking to be pushing among the Champions League clubs."

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