Omar tips Blues for top-five success

OMAR Marmoush is confident Manchester City can rise to the challenge and recover the ground they have lost in the race for Champions League places.

- ANDY HAMPSON

The champions remain outside the Premier League top four after twice surrendering the lead in a 2-2 draw with fellow European contenders Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Marmoush had put City back ahead after Pervis Estupinan’s free-kick cancelled out an Erling Haaland penalty, but an Abdukodir Khusanov own goal meant the points were shared.

After four successive titles, City are not used to being locked in such battles at this stage of the season, but January signing Marmoush remains upbeat.

"Of course it is a challenge but we will do everything," said the Egyptian, who has now scored four goals since his £59million switch from Eintracht Frankfurt.

"We will put our heads down, try to work as hard as we can and, always when we are on the pitch, give 100 per cent. Hopefully, in the end, we will secure that place.

"We just have to try to show our quality more, have more confidence on the ball, keep the ball more and just do what Man City always did, and I think we will be good."