Pellegrini claims Man City lacking 'creativity' in PL title defence

Manchester City football team boss Manuel Pellegrini has said that his side is lacking creativity after they narrowly avoided a home defeat to Hull City on Saturday, thanks to James Milner's stoppage-time free kick, which helped the defending champions salvage a point.

David Meyler fired the opener for Hull in the 35th minute and Pellegrini's men only managed to end the game in a draw with Milner's free kick.

City have now gone four league games without a win and trail current Premier League leaders Chelsea by seven points, the BBC reported.

Pellegrini said that he believes they tried always to find the space but they couldn't, adding that they have a lack of ideas. He said that if one sees the team one doesn't see that they are tired or that they are not fighting; adding that they run a lot and have a lot of possession.

Pellegrini claimed that his side really played and he believes that the team has order and spirit but insisted that they don't have the creative players in this moment to create the space and it is very difficult against a team like Hull, who defend very well.

The City boss said that with the ball, his side is not creating the space and dangerous situations in their box.

City have been without influential midfielder Yaya Toure since the FA Cup third-round win over Sheffield Wednesday on 4 January because of his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, which has also deprived them of striker Wilfried Bony.

Leading scorer Sergio Aguero has also yet to hit top form since returning from a month out injured, the report added.