Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City would find themselves in the bottom three of the Premier League table if they repeat their first half performance against Aston Villa.
While an improved second half display saw the Blues run out 3-0 winners and close the gap on Liverpool to three points at the top of the table, Guardiola was disappointed with City's display in a goalless first 45 minutes.
But having been eight points behind Liverpool a week ago City are now within three, although Jurgen Klopp's side face Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
Guardiola insists it's too early to be paying attention to the Premier League table, but said seeing the way his side had closed the gap would be "good experience" as the title race develops.
"Six days ago we were eight points [behind], now we are three. That is a good experience for us but they have to play tomorrow against Tottenham," the City boss said.
"I am not concerned about the table. I am concerned about the way we played. If we play the level we played in the second half we will be there at the end of the season. If we play the way we did in the first half, we will be relegated."
Of his side's performance, Guardiola added: "We played good 45 minutes, not the other ones. Credit to Aston Villa.
"The fast half we play football but not in the way we should play. The second half we were better, we play in the way we normally are but we have to try and play 90 minutes not just 45."
