Phil Foden’s close-range strike proved the difference at Goodison Park, with the visitors extending our lead at the Premier League summit to six points in the process.
The midfielder was on hand to tap home late on after a defensive lapse from Everton to cap off a convincing second half display from City
And while Guardiola was full of praise for our opponents and the manner in which they limited us, he felt that Foden’s decisive strike was just rewards for a gutsy display.
He said: “(Over) 90 minutes we were better. The second half was much better.
“It is not easy, Richarlison (was marking) man to man to Rodrigo, they allowed us to play for the central defenders, and didn’t allow us to play inside. Always that is difficult.
“We were patient. In the second half we conceded some counter attacks but we were much, much better and at the end we deserved to win.”
Foden‘s winning goal was greeted by memorable celebrations in front of the travelling City support.
And Guardiola insists the squad’s appetite for victory in each and every match remains as large as ever.
“Of course. The players have shown for five years every single game,” the City boss reflected.
“We played quite similar against Tottenham and Southampton. The players are fantastic, they still have the joy to win and enjoy the moment.
“They are a team that enjoys winning games and try do it.”
The hosts felt they deserved a late penalty following Foden‘s equaliser when the ball seemed to strike the arm of Rodrigo inside the area.
But a VAR review waved away the vocal claims, much to the bemusement of the home crowd.
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Asked for his thoughts on the decision, Guardiola put his trust in Video Assistant Referee Chris Kavanagh’s judgement.
“When VAR reviewed the action anything can happen, but I think the referee said offside for the pass from Dele to Richarlison,” he pointed out.
“That’s what I figured out in that moment - the previous action. I could not watch it so I don’t know. If VAR says no penalty, it’s not a penalty.”
