Pep Guardiola says his players were buoyant in the dressing room after the wonderful 2-0 win at Tottenham but also very aware that the Premier League title race is far from over.

Guardiola stressed that celebrations were not overexuberant because everyone in the first team squad knows there’s still a job to be done on Sunday as West Ham come to the Etihad for the title-deciding encounter.

“I like that they were so happy in the locker room but they know it’s not done,” the manager told the media.

“I didn’t see an extra celebration. They know perfectly it will be tough.

“People have to come to Etihad at 3 on Sunday knowing it will be difficult. They have to come with their families and bring the energy, win every inch and metre and deserve to win that game.

“All we have to do is win that game. To have the chance to live that possibility we are so fortunate.”

Guardiola praised the mindset of his players to deliver three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the severest of pressure, the 2-0 victory ensuring a two-point lead over Arsenal going into the season finale.

The boss was proud of the performance as he now sets his sights on the Hammers showdown on Sunday, a game he thinks will stir up the same emotional resonance as the colossal Aston Villa comeback two years ago.

“Now be focused, relaxed, one day off, recovery and two days to prepare,” the boss added.

“I think it will be quite similar to Aston Villa in terms of emotions and difficulty.

“I know my players and how they handle the pressure.  

“We have to stay in the game. We will have to try to do it.

Next Fixture

All fixtures

Premier League

Man City
Manchester City

GMT

Spurs

“Tomorrow start to think about West Ham. Of course, it’s a pleasure to give us a chance to defend against a contender like Arsenal.

“We have experience for a short time what happened against Aston Villa, 70-plus minutes, 2-0 down.

“The most famous goal of our club, Sergio Aguero scored 93:20 against QPR, we were 1-2 down after 90 minutes more or less.

“Now it’s against Michail Antonio and James Ward-Prowse, set-pieces and channels and think about it and focus perfectly.

“We have to win one more game to retain the title.

“This season after the Treble with Kevin six months out and Erling out and for the problems we have but still we are there.

“There is something in the training sessions, their mentality, the way they live, the mindset of the players.”