Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City's motivation to defend their Premier League title should not be called into question.
City suffered a lacklustre 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday, despite Sergio Aguero giving them the lead at St James' Park after 24 seconds.
The impact of a fourth defeat in their past nine league matches was softened by leaders Liverpool being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City 24 hours later, with the gap at the summit standing at five points before City host Arsenal on Sunday.
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Jurgen Klopp's men are being propelled by a weight of history - the 18-time English champions chasing a first top-flight crown for 29 years - but Guardiola has no doubts over the desire for his club to claim a fourth title in eight seasons.