A Raheem Sterling brace, plus further strikes from Aymeric Laporte, Rodrigo and Phil Foden ensured we mounted the perfect response to Wednesday’s heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit against Real Madrid.
Victory in front of a lively Etihad Stadium support also helped Guardiola‘s men open up a three-point gap at the Premier League summit.
And the City boss says his players were full value for the result, hailing the consistency we have shown during his time at the helm.
“Sometimes I say to the players, you have to play good to lift the fans to let the opponent know here is not a nice place to come,” Guardiola reflected in his post-match press conference.
“Today we didn’t need to do that. The people know these guys do it every three days for five years like today.
“They deserve it. They are one of the best groups I have ever had in my life as a manager, even as a player.
“It is an important three points after Liverpool and Tottenham (drew 1-1), but anything can happen in football.
“If it can happen in 56 seconds in Madrid, it can happen in three games.”
