Manchester City never really stood a chance of catching Manchester United in the title race even before they were beaten at Everton, according to first-team coach David Platt.
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City failed to maintain the pressure on their Manchester rivals, with Saturday's 2-0 loss at Goodison Park leaving them 15 points adrift in the title race.
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Manager Roberto Mancini was so angry afterwards that he did not go through with his usual media duties.
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City initially fell behind in their attempts to retain their title with a 3-2 loss to United at the Etihad Stadium in December.
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A 3-1 defeat at Southampton allowed United to extend the gap to 12 points and although Mancini has always insisted that City will not give up on the pursuit, the loss at Everton leaves them with little hope.
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"Nobody's been shouting from the rooftops saying we are chasing Manchester United down," said Platt.
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"They've got a significant points advantage over us, even if we'd won (at Everton). We have an obligation to try and win football matches and be professional."
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Mancini at least has an FA Cup semifinal against either United or Chelsea to look forward to next month, but there appears to be little else to play for in the Premier League.
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The Italian is hoping that captain Vincent Kompany and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero return from respective calf and knee problems after the international break.
Yes it changes nothing. They already lost the game.