Defensive worries mount for Man City after Newcastle victory

Pep Guardiola hailed a "perfect afternoon" as his side thrashed Newcastle to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League, but did add that three of his central defenders will miss the remaining games of the season.

The City boss also insisted he never doubted his players' response following their agonising midweek defeat to Real Madrid defeat.

He told Sky Sports: "It was a perfect afternoon for me.

"What this team have done, did you have any doubt? I didn't doubt them.

"We have had five years doing this every three days, sometimes you can go out from a competition and some people doubt you because they still don't know what you will do.

"This is one of the best groups I ever trained and I mean in my life

Next up for Guardiola's side is a trip to Wolves in midweek.

He said: "We're now three points up with nine points to play for. Another final on Wednesday."

Despite the comfortable nature of City's win, Guardiola revealed after the game that his side had suffered a triple injury blow.

He confirmed that neither Kyle Walker, John Stones nor Ruben Dias - who was forced off at half-time with a muscular problem - would be fit for their last three games of the season.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season."