Pep & Co are in the groove

PEP GUARDIOLA last night hailed his side’s win at Everton as crucial for the Premier League title race.

After a shock defeat to Tottenham last Saturday, it was vital that City got back to winning ways and they did that on Merseyside to leave Guardiola purring.

Phil Foden grabbed the only goal of the game to sink Frank Lampard’s Toffees at Goodison.

Guardiola said: “I have to admit that was really important. The second half was much better.

“Goodison Park for us is always so difficult. Good victory, another step.

“In general we controlled in the second half, not a lot because it was not possible but the second half was much, much better.

“When the opponent decides the striker to mark the midfielder it is difficult with the spaces. Everton make a moment. It is difficult, we knew it.

“I said to the guys they are doing well and be patient and we will find the moment.

“We did everything to win. When you have that the manager will be alongside the players that is for sure.

“You have to try again and try again and in the end Phil was there and score.

“We were searching. We tried and we were there. We earned the good fortune. Everton has top players. Their quality is there, we knew it.”

And Guardiola knows the finishing line is now in sight, even though Liverpool, who play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final today, are nipping at their heels.

The Spaniard added: “It is six points but one game more.

“Eleven games to finish the Premier League, the players we spoke to the team we have to win all the games.

“Against Tottenham, Southampton and today we performed who we are. Keep going and try to do it.

“Thank you so much for all the people at Goodison Park. It was so emotional. It is not a nice moment for Zinchenko and the Ukrainian people right now.

“The people from Goodison Park were amazing for this.”

Lampard said: “We have to accept it. We have to take pride in the performance against a top team. If the table doesn’t look great in a couple of weeks then so be it.

“It didn’t look great when I came but I have seen big improvements.”