Man City manager Pep Guardiola appears to blame travel to London as reason for losing to Tottenham as he compares it travelling to northern Europe

Pep Guardiola has claimed Manchester City’s ‘exhausting’ trip to north London as the reason for their defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

The 52-year-old labelled his side’s journey like travelling to Europe, following City’s 1-0 defeat against Spurs.

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Harry Kane’s 15th-minute effort was the difference between the teams, in what was a historic 267th goal that moved him ahead of Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves.

It’s was also his 200th Premier League strike on his 304th appearance in the competition, which is quicker than the only two men to have scored more goals in the competition, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.

The result dented Man City’s hopes in the title race, and Guardiola is already looking ahead to Aston Villa next Sunday.

“Coming to London is like going to northern Europe,” the Catalan boss said, whose team had not played in nine days before making their 200-mile trip.

“It is four and a half hours to get to a hotel. It’s so exhausting to come to London, I’m sorry.

“We need to come back to Manchester and prepare for the game against Aston Villa.”

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A victory for City would have moved them within two points of league leaders Arsenal.

However, their awful run at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continues, where they still are yet to score and have lost all five games.

Guardiola said: “There was an opportunity. Now we are sad, tomorrow we will reflect and watch the game. It will be a long, long season for everyone.”

The City boss had previously dubbed Tottenham the ‘Harry Kane team’ back in 2017, but did praise the forward post-match.

“I’m not going to say the Harry team otherwise (ex-Spurs boss Mauricio) Pochettino will be grumpy and upset with me and I don’t want it!

“Sooner or later (City’s record at Spurs’ ground) is going to change but it is strange we haven’t scored one goal. We have missed penalties.”