Rodgers has made Leicester our title rival, says Guardiola

Guardiola’s City was held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, leaving it 11 points behind leader Liverpool. Leicester secured a last-gasp 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday to cut the gap to eight. Leicester, which won the title in the 2015-16 season against odds of 5,000-1, is on a six-match winning streak in the league.

Since Rodgers replaced Claude Puel in February, no other team outside of Liverpool and City has amassed as many points. “I think it’s typical for this league and the history that it involves many teams,” Guardiola, who takes his side to Burnley on Wednesday, told a news conference.

“Leicester is doing incredibly well. Last season when Rodgers took over, the side changed the way it plays. We knew that when we played against it and it continues doing really well.” City’s hopes of a third successive Premier League title are in danger of disappearing after this month’s 1-3 loss at Liverpool and Saturday’s dropped points at Newcastle.

The usual zip has been missing from City’s forward play and it has gone four Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet. It is to be noted Guardiola has been deploying midfielder Fernandinho as a centre back alongside John Stones.

Asked about his defensive pairing, the Spaniard said: “Right now, it’s because I like Dino in that position. That’s why he plays. Have you seen the games? Two shots on target (by Newcastle) and we conceded. We will improve.” City enjoyed 77 percent of possession against Newcastle and had 24 goal attempts but was not clinical — a theme that has developed this season.

City will again be without striker Sergio Aguero, who will also miss next weekend’s derby against Manchester United because of a thigh injury. “He won’t be ready for the derby,” said Guardiola. “After that we will see.” Inter on top of Serie A

Inter Milan moved above Juventus to the top of the Serie A table with a 2-1 win at home to SPAL, thanks to a Lautaro Martinez double.

It was Inter’s 12th win in the first 14 games of the season, its best-ever start to a campaign. Antonio Conte’s side is now one point ahead of Juventus on 37, while SPAL remains second from bottom and without a win in its past seven matches.