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Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City must turn around their dismal away form if they are to stay in contention for the Premier League title.

City lost 1-0 at Sunderland on Sunday to slip to eighth in the table and have now taken only four points from a possible 18 away from home.

"I am concerned because we are losing too many points away," said Pellegrini.

"Of course, it's very difficult if you don't win away to try to fight for the Premier League."

City, who have won all five of their home league games this season, have now lost away to Cardiff, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland.

But despite his concerns at a poor record on the road, Pellegrini does not believe City need to change their tactics.

"We will continue the same way because in the four defeats I am sure we are playing the correct way and I hope the wins will come," he added.

"We had the chances to score and win the game but we didn't and we lost. Sunderland defended really well.

"The Premier League is very close. We have a lot of points to fight for and a lot of time."

Pellegrini was at a loss to explain the defeat by Sunderland, who only mustered five shots to City's 24.

Sergio Aguero wasted City's best chance when he headed wide from close range when unmarked at the far post.

"It's incredible the way we lost this match," Pellegrini added.

"Sunderland are not in a good position, so I understand the way they played.

"But they had just one shot on our goal. We had the possession, we had the chances and we didn't score."