'We are the crazy team' - Man City players are finally responding to Pep Guardiola's title demands

There were no 'happy flowers' at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, although there were a lot of happy faces.

City regularly make a habit of applauding their travelling support after away games, win or lose, although the full-time show of strength in front of the away section at Arsenal felt different. There was a look of determination on the faces of the City squad who had just moved back into top spot, and a sense that a big win had been earned by a collective performance.

Kevin De Bruyne hailed the 'aggressive' second-half performance, and Pep Guardiola said his team are built as a 'crazy team'. Ruben Dias said 'this means everything to us,' while Erling Haaland simply tweeted: "Together. ALWAYS."

ALSO READ: De Bruyne explains Guardiola's half time changes that inspired Arsenal win

Only one month ago, Guardiola launched his extraordinary attack on his own club for being too comfortable, too complacent with winning, challenging his players, fans and even his board to demand more of each other. He's made headlines for suggesting that he doesn't care if City win the Premier League or not, instead focussing on their attitude and application.

Before the title showdown at Arsenal, Guardiola challenged his players to show they are ready to fight to win the title. If Arsenal (or someone else) win the title because they are better, then he can accept it. If City give away their title because their attitude was not right, that's another story.

Over the course of the last month, it seems that Guardiola's messages have got through - helped by two major developments that shook the club in different ways. First, Joao Cancelo's loan exit showed that no player is bigger than the club, and reinforced Guardiola's stance that