Pep Guardiola is determined excessive festive celebrations will not be blamed for poor Christmas results again – telling players not to attend Friday night’s club Christmas party.

The Manchester City boss was furious 12 months ago when some first team players took advantage of the staff party, kicking on after the do at Great Northern Warehouse and going on to another bar, Chinawhite, until the early hours.

His mood worsened when some turned up a little worse for wear at training the next day, then the side lost games against Crystal Palace two days later then another to Leicester City on Boxing Day.

In order to avoid a repeat Guardiola was set to be the sole representative of the first team at last night’s bash at a bar on Albion Street near Deansgate Locks.

However, while expecting players to be tucked up in bed and ready for training on Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, it is understood he may allow them to organise their own bash on another night.