Manuel Pellegrini is adamant Steven Gerrard is not to blame for Liverpool suffering title trauma in 2014.
The then Reds skipper infamously slipped against Chelsea to let in Demba Ba to open the scoring in a 2-0 win at Anfield as the hosts blew their advantage in the title race and let in Manchester City to lift the trophy.
Liverpool needed just a point against Jose Mourinho's side to remain in pole position to win the league, reports the Mirror .
Brendan Rodgers’ side followed up the loss with a chaotic 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace days later as City swept past them to win a second title in three seasons.
And then City boss Pellegrini says it was his team's performances, not Liverpool's, that decided the destination of the title.
He said: "Three games were suspended by the weather or by the other competitions that we were playing. Liverpool were just playing in one.
"We won because it was in our hands to win those games. It seems always that Liverpool lost the title but I don't agree with that. I do not agree that it was because Liverpool lost against Chelsea — it was 2-0 not 1-0.
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"The first goal was a problem because Gerrard slipped but they didn't score a goal. And if they had scored and it had finished 1-1 there would have been exactly the same champion because we beat them by two points.
"We were the champions because we were the best team that season."
Liverpool lead the way by two points over City, but Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand that could yet prove to be the crucial factor.
Pellegrini said: "Of course if you are fighting less competitions it is a little easier. You have more time to prepare the game, you can keep the same XI you think is the best one. If not, if you are competing in two or three competitions, you must rotate and you cannot use all the players you want.
"There are so many things that can decide a title. But maybe the fixtures left are more difficult for City than what Liverpool has. It depends because sometimes the weakest team you play is the most difficult.
"I think Cardiff will be difficult for Liverpool on Sunday. They are fighting relegation and of course City has to play United. It will be a very tight race."
