Pep Guardiola delivered a scathing review of Manchester City's first-half performance against Aston Villa, claiming that the Premier League champions would be in the relegation zone if they continue in the same vein of form.
Man City endured a frustrating opening period at the Etihad, but Raheem Sterling broke the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium with his 17th goal in 18 appearances for club and country this season after the break.
David Silva claimed a controversial second following a lengthy VAR check and Ilkay Gundogan wrapped up a 3-0 victory soon after but a late red card for Fernandinho blotted City's afternoon.
Yet City still finished strongly with Gabriel Jesus hitting the bar in injury time. Villa, following a similar game plan to that which Wolves succeeded with at the same venue earlier this month, did cause problems but faded later in the game.
The win cuts Liverpool's lead at the top to three points before the Reds host Tottenham on Sunday, but Guardiola left his players in no doubt that he expects far more if they are to chase down Jurgen Klopp's side.
"If we play like we did in the first half for the rest of the season we will be in the relegation places," Guardiola told reporters after the game.
"After the first half we corrected something, sometimes it happens but the second half was good."
Additional reporting by PA and Reuters.
