Guardiola urges City to stay focused ahead of Spurs test

Pep Guardiola has challenged Manchester City to prove they are still the Premier League’s pre-eminent force as the champions face a key test against title rivals Tottenham today.

Since losing to Lyon in the Champions League in September, Guardiola’s side have gone on a sevengame unbeaten run in all competitions.

City have won six of those matches, with the only draw a goalless stalemate against Liverpool that ranked as an impressive result given their struggles at Anfield last season.

High praise

An eye-catching 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday prompted Guardiola to hail the performance as City’s best this season.

Given City had just thrashed Burnley 5-0, while also enjoying a 5-0 win at Cardiff and a 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield this term, that ranks as high praise from the Spaniard. But Guardiola knows much sterner tests lie in wait for City, starting against a Tottenham side who have made their best start to a Premier League season.

“I want to focus to win the game and give a good performance, knowing the quality of the Spurs side,” Guardiola said.

“But it’s not going to finish anything. After this it’s Fulham, Southampton, Manchester United and Shakhtar.”