Rodrigo, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez scored the goals as City swept Villa away in the first half.
Ollie Watkins pulled one back for the visitors after the break, but the three points were secured early on in Guardiola’s 250th Premier League game.
After Arsenal’s home draw with Brentford on Saturday and a meeting between the top two to come on Wednesday, Guardiola knew the importance of success today.
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However, he still believes City have areas to work on before we face Mikel Arteta’s side.
“We did in general a really good game,” he said.
“We could press higher and better, but we adjusted something in the second half.
“The second half was better than the first one. Unfortunately we concede a goal again from a mistake.
“But in general every set piece we have the feeling that we score and in general it was a really good game and I’m happy for that.
“The people were behind us and that’s why it’s important to take this final opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal.”
Click on the video to hear what he had to say...
