Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to take the blame if his side fail to qualify for Europe - and admits he has learned his lesson after failing to give his players a rest over the festive period.

City were unbeaten at home in the Premier League until Arsenal left Eastlands with a 2-0 victory at the beginning of February.

But the defeat to the current table-toppers was one of a number of poor results for City since Christmas as the Blues have secured just two wins in 11 games.

City, who sit eighth in the table, have also suffered three defeats in that time and Eriksson admits that his players could have benefited from a rest at Christmas as they continue their pursuit of a place in Europe.

Speaking in the wake of the 0-0 draw with Wigan, he told the Daily Star: "I think we felt after Christmas and New Year that we were a little bit low mentally, but that is maybe my fault.

"I should have given the players some days off now and then.

"We have had just two wins in 11 games in the league, but there have also only been three defeats in that run.

"There have been a lot of draws, though, so of course it would have been better to have more wins and fewer loses."

And Eriksson, who took up the reins at City at the beginning of the season, admits he will not make the same mistakes in the next campaign.

"As long as we don't give up, I still believe that Europe is quite possible for us," added the former England boss.

"We must go on fighting because we still have 10 games. I have now learned what to do next season at Christmas time."

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