Wednesday 24 October 2018 09:03, UK
Pep Guardiola lauded Manchester City's first-half display in their 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as "incredible", and the best since he arrived at the club in 2016.
City dominated the opening 45 minutes of the Champions League clash, having 14 shots and scoring through David Silva and Aymeric Laporte.
Bernardo Silva wrapped up the win after the break, but Guardiola was particularly impressed with the first half.
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 Man City
Champions League round-up
"Incredible," he said when asked how well his side played. "Our first half was the best we have played in the last three seasons, since I've been here. We were outstanding, we created a lot of chances.
"We were under pressure after defeat against Lyon [in the first group game], but now we are in a good position. We can control our destiny now. It was so important to get this result and we will enjoy tonight and the next few days with this victory.
"We have recovered well from Lyon and now it's in our hands."
The result - coupled with a late goal for Hoffenheim to claim a 3-3 draw against Lyon - means City are now top of Group F.
And although Guardiola was pleased with the performance, he still sees room for improvement.
"In the last few games we shoot more, but when I talk about chances to win the Champions League, and these kinds of things, we have to increase our average," he said.
"We missed a lot of clear chances. When you arrive in the later stages we have to be more clinical. We have to be solid as a team, like we were in the first half, and it was good to see how we did it.
"The Champions League is a difficult competition. I'm so happy with the way we played after Burnley - travel, and to play with this personality.
"To score three against Shakhtar is an incredible result, amazing."
Shakhtar manager Paulo Fonseca conceded his side were outplayed.
He said: "We have to admit that City were better tonight - much better. They won in good style. Our players tried to play well and keep the ball, but it was not enough to stop a team like City."
The sides meet again at the Etihad Stadium in the next round of matches.
Fonseca added: "It will be even harder to play City in Manchester, but we will fight until the end and try to earn some points. We play to win every game and the upcoming one will be no different."
