DUNN

come in August. He was always a willing focal point of this City attack and thoroughly deserved the sliding finish for his first and the bullet header for his second.

Jesus does not turn 22 until April and is still maturing as a player. There are plenty who have their doubts about whether he belongs in the elite bracket of player, but there should not be.

Jesus, who now has family to keep him company in Manchester, will develop into a world-class striker and his form will be a key factor in City’s attempt to defend their title.

His goals here gave City a degree of comfort that disappeared when Dominic Calvert-lewin headed in a Lucas Digne cross, but soon returned with Sterling’s neat nod.

Guardiola spoke approvingly of Sterling post-match, stressing how happy he is with life at City. That much is clear. There are now few matches in which Sterling does not make a significant contribution.

Guardiola also half-joked that Sterling is a great finisher when he does not have time to think. That is probably on the money, but, in all other facets of his play, Sterling is making better decisions, taking more right options.

He was certainly a handy substitute to send on and it was a handy player he replaced.

Having set up both goals for Jesus, Leroy Sane is now top of the Premier League assist chart.

Guardiola, whose team travel to Leicester for an EFL Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, again spoke of the strain the glut of fixtures imposes on a squad.

They can cope with it, make no mistake.

Everton gave them a stiffish contest and one that would have been even stiffer had Richarlison buried an early sitter when matters were goalless.

But City always looked like they were capable of moving a couple of rungs higher.

As Guardiola offered a couple of consoling words and a hotwater bottle to young Phil, the satisfaction with the result was clear.

It happens so rarely, Guardiola might have wondered how his team would react to the Premier League loss at the Bridge.

Stylishly and efficiently, as it turns out.

And when the best the supremely talented Foden can hope for – and not even get on this occasion – is five minutes, you know that normal service has resumed.

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