Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City can't afford to take anything for granted in the Premier League title race, despite boasting an eight-point lead at the top of the table heading into 2022.
The Sky Blues capitalised on both Chelsea and Liverpool dropping points by beating Brentford to secure a tenth straight league victory.
City's ability to string together successive victories has been well-documented during recent campaigns, which the Reds will require no reminding of after missing out on the 2018/19 title after accumulating a staggering 97 points.
Guardiola has stressed, however, that obsessing about winning runs for the remainder of this term is a 'stupid' idea as he admitted his surprise that City find themselves in their current position.
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"When you win the Premier League, it is the most important title," said the former Barcelona boss.
"During the season, you have many different circumstances you can overcome. We are playing without Kyle Walker, and he's been so important for us many, many times and now Rodri has been out for two games - maybe three. We don't have central defenders: John is injured. We are struggling in some positions, but it's how you overcome this.
"Don't think about the long runs, it's a stupid thing to think about how many games you are going to win. It's just about what's next, being ready and the most important thing is the desire, commitment and the team saying 'Ok, I want to do it'.
"I didn't expect to be in this position one month ago when we were four, five, six points behind Chelsea and Liverpool. When everything is [taken] for granted you are 4-0 [against Leicester] and everything is granted. And in 20 minutes, you are 4-3. If we don't score the fifth goal, I assure you this game could not be won.
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"Don't be extremely satisfied when the situation is good and not extremely depressed because with the amount of games in the competition, and I learned a little bit last season with the Covid situation, being relaxed is the best way to approach the next game."
Asked if this current City side is the best of his tenure, Guardiola added: "It would be unfair to say it's the strongest team given what we have done with the previous ones.
"The generation from Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero: we made 100 points and 98 points, facing the best team I ever played as an opponent. Liverpool, in this period, had been the big rival for us.
"I'm not thinking about the runs and what is going to happen in the future, I'm thinking about what's next. The great teams are always thinking about what's next, and what's next now is Arsenal."
