David Platt: Man City will stay focused for title run-in

Assistant boss David Platt insists Manchester City will remain focused and professional for the title run-in following their defeat against Everton.

City trail Manchester United by 15 points after the Premier League leaders beat Reading in Saturday's late game.

Platt said: "Nobody has been shouting from the rooftops saying we will chase down a 12-point deficit.

"Manchester United have a significant advantage. Our obligation is to be professional and win football matches."

Platt, who attended the post-match news conference in place of "angry" manager Roberto Mancini, added: "It's not mathematically impossible but even if it is it will not change our focus or intensity.

"We want to ensure we finish as high up the table as we possibly can and ensure we win the FA Cup."

City were second best for large parts of the game against an impressive Toffees side at Goodison Park.

They trailed 1-0 to a stunning first-half strike by Leon Osman and, although they improved after the interval, they were unable to fight back despite Steven Pienaar's dismissal on 60 minutes.

Nikica Jelavic wrapped up victory in injury time.

Platt admitted his side were below par but felt they were denied a clear penalty when Marouane Fellaini handled a Carlos Tevez shot.

Referee Lee Probert awarded a free-kick and Platt and Mancini were upset by the decision.

"It's not a handball shout because it's been given," Platt said. "The handball is given and I have seen it and it was well inside the box and it has not gone for us.

"He [Roberto] is angry about many, many things and I think he has decided to have the day off.

"Perhaps we didn't throw enough at them. We didn't get enough good chances or quality play. When we didn't create chances we didn't put them away which could have settled us down.

"Perhaps our performance throughout didn't deserve a great deal out of the game but, by the same token, sometimes you look for decision to go your way and they don't and people make mistakes."