Hughes won't give up on Europe spot

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is adamant his side can still claim a place in Europe.

With two games remaining, Fulham are in the driving seat after City's 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford, following goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

However Hughes believes they can get something out of the game against Tottenham on Saturday, saying; "Fulham had a good result at the weekend so the focus shifts to Tottenham. It was always going to be a key game in the ones that are left. That is the challenge now."

He added: "Can we get three points at Tottenham and win our last game at home against Bolton. We will see what happens.

"I know some teams think Europe can be a distraction but we would like to be in the competition again next season. We enjoyed the experience this year. I think we are a better team as a consequence."

Hughes questioned referee Chris Foy's decision to award a free-kick to United that led to Ronaldo opening the scoring in the 18th minute.

It came after Stephen Ireland had been pulled up for a challenge on Dimitar Berbatov.

Tevez increased City's misery by extending the lead before half-time and Hughes said: "I am disappointed with the award of a free-kick for the first goal. I thought Stevie had won the ball.

"The free-kick gets a little deflection of Nigel de Jong but it was still a good strike, so you have to give him (Ronaldo) credit.

"We are thinking we can still get something out of the game but get caught out on a long ball. Berbatov shows good control and he sets up Tevez. It was an outstanding strike for the second one. We felt hard done by as it was not a fair reflection on the game."