Pep Guardiola has hailed a ‘massive win’ for Manchester City after his side came from behind to beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park.
City moved within five points of leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand, after an impressive performance to beat Everton on Wednesday evening, with goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva sealing an important three points.
The fixture was City’s first since returning from being crowned Club World Cup winners in Saudi Arabia, a demanding schedule that saw the European champions play twice in the Middle East last week.
“It was a massive win for us after where we came back from Saudi Arabia as world champions,” Guardiola said at full-time.
“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.
“We are really pleased for the victory except to concede a goal after we played really good.
“But the second half we increased our rhythm, played to the wingers and it was really really good.”
Guardiola discussed the mentality of his team and said the Citizens were keen to refocus on their Premier League title defence immediately after their Club World Cup success in Saudi Arabia.
“I remember on the plane home after Saudi being world champions, I listened to the players, they didn’t know, and they started to talk about Everton.
“I said: ‘Wow this is my team.’ We saw the teams they beat here, they’re so special and the way they control things. We want to be there.
“After many years they still have the feeling they want to try again. When you win a lot, we played really well and were not been able to win.
“We lost one game in 12/13, Aston Villa were miles better but the rest we were better. We were there but couldn’t do it, that’s football.
“But we still had the desire to focus. We don’t talk about ourselves – it’s what’s next, and I like that a lot.”
