Interim Nix manager Chris Greenacre is not giving up just yet.
“We might have to rely on other results now, but we’ll certainly try,” Greenacre said.
“When you’re relying on other teams, things can slip away from you, but it’s vital that we take care of our own business.
“It is what it is right now. We’ll dust ourselves down and go again. We’ve got a tough game against the Western Sydney Wanderers next week in Christchurch and we’ll be ready.”
The Phoenix entered the match full of confidence, riding a three-game winning streak under Greenacre.
That run included a breakthrough win over Melbourne Victory – their first win in the Victorian capital in nine years – which had lifted them to the brink of the top six.
But they struggled to fire in attack, failing to register a single shot on target.
City capitalised, scoring in each half through Aziz Behich and Marcus Younis.
“They were probably the better side today,” Greenacre said.
“We huffed and puffed at times and created a couple of half-chances, but never really tested the goalkeeper.
“They’re a strong team, and we knew it would be difficult. In the end, they deserved the points.”
The Phoenix return to action next Saturday in Christchurch against the bottom-placed Wanderers in what is now a must-win clash.