Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on his side following their 1-0 victory over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea this evening.
City enjoyed 71% possession and had 13 shots to Chelsea's three at the Etihad Stadium as they took another step towards the title, with Bernardo Silva getting the only goal of the game in the opening stages of the second half.
Guardiola believes that his side deserved to win by a more convincing margin, but was delighted with their overall display on and off the ball.
"Chelsea are still champions. They played with 10 players behind the ball but we didn't concede one chance. We created enough to win the game, score more goals. Our high pressing was outstanding so we are so happy because it's another step forward to be champions. We have 76 points," he told Sky Sports News.
"We had to be careful against the counter attacks, [Eden] Hazard, Willian and Pedro are all quick players but we controlled it and we were quick with the ball, nobody was making extra passes or extra touches. It's not easy when they defend with nine players in their box.
"We are close but it is not already done. It's in our hands. Now we start again, we have to try to stay calm. We have Basel and Stoke City and we will see after Stoke what our position is and how many points we need from the games left to be champions."
City recorded 902 passes during the match, which is more than any other team has ever managed in a Premier League game since Opta records began in 2003-04.
Barney Corkhill
