Better to come from high-flying City, warns Guardiola

Pep Guardiola insists his Manchester City team can get even better despite sweeping almost everyone aside this season.

City are 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning their last 15 games, a record in the English top flight.

Plaudits have poured in for the stylish and resilient football City have played but, for Guardiola, there is no resting on laurels.

He said: “What’s important is to focus on the pitch what we have to do to play better, to increase our chances and concede few. That’s what we have to do.

“When I’m happy, it’s not because of the result but the way we play. That’s what I’m more satisfied by.

“I have the feeling we can do better –much, much better. That’s what we have to try to insist.”

City’s current winning run may be unique in England but it does not yet match Guardiola’s personal best as a manager. The Catalan won 16 league games in succession at Barca and bettered even that with Bayern Munich, winning 19 in a row.

But such figures are also of no interest to Guardiola, who must prepare his side to face Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

He said: “The record is OK, but records stay there and one day are going to be broken.

“Statistics are statistics. It’s good to write about that but with the way we play I am satisfied the most.”

Spurs are unbeaten in their last four meetings with City, and have won three of those, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side have dropped 18 points behind today’s hosts.

Dele Alli is likely to be recalled for Tottenham after being rested for the win over Brighton in midweek.

Third-placed Chelsea have Alvaro Morata available again for today’s game with Southampton.

The striker missed Tuesday’s win at Huddersfield through fatigue and with a back problem.

Defender David Luiz remains out with a knee problem.

Manchester United, who face West Brom tomorrow, will be without Eric Bailly for up to three months.

The 23-year-old has not played since lining up against Chelsea on November 5, and any hopes of a swift return have now evaporated after Jose Mourinho revealed the defender needs ankle surgery.

Liverpool will have Simon Mignolet available for tomorrow’s visit to Bournemouth with Adam Lallana “ready for the squad at least”, according to boss Jurgen Klopp.

Pep Guardiola, who feels his pace-setting Manchester City side can still do better.