Pep Guardiola admitted Liverpool were on his mind ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Everton.
Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League leaders extended their advantage over the champions to eight points after their lunchtime win against Sheffield United.
It left City in need of victory at Goodison Park to stay in touch at this early stage of the season.
And Guardiola, who sarcastically declared Liverpool champions after his side’s shock defeat to Norwich, gave the clearest indication his title rivals were in his head before the 3-1 win against Everton.
“We knew Liverpool won again and the gap was eight points, so big,” he said. “So we won three points and it’s five in September, with a lot of points to play for.
“We know which team we’re playing right now, they are seven victories in a row, champions of Europe and playing good football. This is our rival and we know we can’t drop too many points because last season they lost just one game.
“The season is long, we have to keep going and be there, maybe we can push them a little bit more and try to make the third Premier League in a row.”
Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling secured the win for City, with Dominic Calvert-Lewis scoring for the home side.
Guardiola hailed his side’s spirit, saying: “We don’t need to come to Goodison Park to show it, we couldn't do what we’ve done for two seasons without the desire.”
