David Silva has said that Manchester City must play every game from now on as if it were a cup final.

Though they currently lead the Premier League, City were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Sunday, and slumped to a Carling Cup semi-final loss at the hands of Liverpool on Wednesday.

"Being knocked out of the FA Cup by United was an important moment, we really wanted to try and retain the trophy," Silva told The Sun.

"And it was a pain watching the Carling Cup defeat on television. It was a bad result for us but we could rise above it in the second leg at Anfield. We still have a good chance of making the final.

"One thing is certain, we have failed in two consecutive home matches against big clubs."

Despite City's recent disappointments, the 26-year-old insisted that the club can keep their place at the top of the league.

"I do not think these setbacks are that significant or that City are a club in crisis. The season is very long and any club can suffer defeats. Of course our priority is the League," he added.

"We top the table and any one of our rivals would rather be in our position. Even at this stage a three-point advantage is sensational.

"But from now on we must play every match as though it were a final."

Silva is currently battling an ankle injury sustained during their FA Cup clash at the Etihad.