The Catalan had warned the Hammers were far better than their league position suggests at his Friday press conference and for 50 minutes, David Moyes’ side lived up to that billing.
“Of course it was not easy,” said Guardiola.
“West Ham, I said yesterday, they are an exceptional team, with exceptional players.
“We struggled a lot in the last seasons against West Ham. No exception today. Leeds will be quite similar. Everton at Goodison Park. I saw the game against Leicester - how they played on the front foot, the chances they had, how aggressive they are.
“It will be so difficult - for us and for Arsenal as well because going to Newcastle is not easy. Brighton is not easy.
“These type of games, it is important to be stable and patient. Five games left. It is in our hands. We have to try and go for it.”
The City boss also says he is looking to pitting his wits against Sam Allardyce, Leeds’ new manager, this coming weekend.
On ‘Big Sam’s’ assessment that his achievements are comparable with the Premier League’s best managers, Pep said: “He is right. Look what happened with Neil Warnock in Huddersfield.
“They help us be who we are. Look at Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. What they have done. They are good, incredibly experienced. They know the game perfectly.
“It will be tough against Leeds because he has charisma. He knows exactly what to do in this situation – a relegation battle.
“Now people who are 30, 35, we invent or create football? No. Football is already created and these guys belong to this. Look at Neil Warnock. They are out of the dangerous positions. Look at what Harry Redknapp has done in this country.
“There are many managers who have done really, really well. You don’t have to be young to be a good manager.”
Watch Pep’s full post-match press conference by playing the video above....
