Guardiola joyous as Man City bandwagon rolls on

Pep Guardiola revelled in Manchester City’s dominant 3-1 win over Everton as his side closed to within one victory of the Premier League title.

First-half goals from Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling wrapped up the victory, ensuring Yannick Bolasie’s strike after the break was merely a consolation.

City – beaten 4-0 in this fixture last season – can now claim the title by beating bitter rivals Manchester United next weekend, with a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool to negotiate before that.

A delighted Guardiola, who sealed his 50th Premier League victory, told BT Sport: “We knew we must win all games. We did our job in the first half – it was so, so good.

“We controlled the game and it was a huge victory. It was the first time as a manager I was able to beat Everton.

“It was a long time we weren’t together [during the international break] so you always think ‘what could happen’, but it was good.

Happy 50th @premierleague win, boss!  #mancity pic.twitter.com/GVdND5q2Dm

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 31, 2018

“We were clinical especially in the first half. Everybody committed to win the game. Now it is one more game and we will be champions.

“[For] the fans it is significant. It is special. It is important we win – no matter where. Of course the most important thing is these two games.”

With the EFL Cup in the trophy cabinet and the top-flight crown imminent, conquering Europe is the key to City’s treble dreams and Guardiola knows his side face a tough challenge against Liverpool, the only team to beat them in the league this season.

“We have to go to Anfield with good feelings,” he added. “Now we have a few days to prepare for this game.”