Pep Guardiola regards win over Everton as a 'massive' result

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes their 3-1 victory in a "massive" game at Everton will serve as a reminder to their rivals not to write them off.

City arrived back from Saudi Arabia as Club World Cup winners looking to correct a record which had seen them win just once in six Premier League matches and drop off the pace in the title race.

But while they were away, results went in their favour which meant winning their two matches in hand on Liverpool would reduce the deficit at the top to just two points, and the first of those was achieved after they recovered from former winger Jack Harrison's opener with goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez – from the penalty spot – and Bernardo Silva.

"Really, really important. It was a massive game for us, coming from Saudi Arabia," said Guardiola.

"We were really pleased with how we reacted and it proved again how special this group of players is and the mentality that we have in our bones.

"We want to be there. I know we are not top of the league, a lot of things are going to happen.

"I never saw a Premier League where every game the teams down low and mid-table can beat everyone. There will be a lot of surprises and the thing is to be there."

Guardiola said the Club World Cup was not only a distraction, but also helped refocus the players’ minds.

"I remember on the plane coming back from Saudi Arabia I listened to the players when they didn’t know I was listening and they started to talk about Everton," he added.

"I said 'wow, this is my team'. I have the feeling they still want to try.

"We play many games this season and people say we are not the same. We have lost one of the last 13 (not including the Club World Cup). We don’t talk enough about how good we are."

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