Pep Guardiola praises 'perfect' Manchester City after beating Chelsea

Sunday 4 March 2018 19:53, UK

Pep Guardiola praised his “perfect” Manchester City side after they moved closer to the Premier League title with victory over Chelsea.

City continued their title procession with a commanding 1-0 victory, which leaves Guardiola needing just four more victories to dethrone Chelsea and claim a maiden title in English football.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for the second game running, bundling the winner home 34 seconds into the second half as City moved 18 points clear at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's decision to not start a recognised striker backfired as Chelsea failed to register a single effort on target.

"We didn't concede one chance and we created enough to win the game," Guardiola told Sky Sports.

"Our high-pressing and build-up was outstanding. I'm so happy as it's another step forward to be champions - we have a lot of points. We did perfect.

"Chelsea didn't have one shot on target - they are usually a prolific team that create chances. Against Barcelona they scored and created two or three other chances when Willian hit the post. So, today we were so good not to concede chances."

Asked whether he expected City to be 18 points clear at this stage of the season, Guardiola said: "No way! Who could believe it? The players don't believe it either. In terms of results and the way we play, so far we are so good. This is a consequence of the way we play."

City's achievements in the Premier League are likely to see plenty of records tumble.

One of them could be the record points total, which currently stands at 95 set by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side in their 2004/05 title winning season. If City continue taking points at their current ratio, their projected final total would be 102.

Asked if he had his sights set on the 100-point mark, Guardiola told his post-match press conference: "What matters is that we are champions, that is what really matters.

"I have never spoke with the players about records. We are going to try and play how we did today against Basel and Stoke, that is what I want to see from my team.

"At the end of the season we will see. Records are a consequence of what we have done. If you think about records you forget what you have to do. What you have to do is understand what you need to do to beat opponents."