Pep Guardiola says Man City players were 'hungover' in FA Cup final against Man Utd as coach blames Premier League title party for loss to Erik ten Hag's side

City were rocked by city rivals United in the FA Cup final last season as the Red Devils took a two-goal lead before half-time with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. The defending champions were able to pull one goal back minutes from time but Guardiola's side were unable to get back into the game that late.

It had been suggested that City players did not have their heads in the clash during their disappointing loss as Guardiola's side had just won an intense Premier League title fight with Arsenal just five days earlier. Following City's 2-1 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, the Spanish head coach has now confirmed suspicions that his players were struggling during the final last season at Wembley.

Speaking to the media after his team's first defeat since that day at Wembley, Guardiola said: "This is the news, not that we lose, but how long it has been since we lose. Of course, with the FA Cup final we were a little bit hungover, but it is good news."

At the time of the loss, Guardiola had said: "It's my mistake - the game plan was not good. The players know it, the reason why. Tactically, it was not good. I had the feeling it was not good today. You plan a game for different positions, but didn't work - it's as simple as that."

The Premier League leaders will now be in action when they take on Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday as they look to keep up their lead over Liverpool and Arsenal.