Pep Guardiola saluted his Man City players for not giving up after they returned to the top of the Premier League table with victory away to Everton.
City knew that their superior goal difference would see them usurp title rivals Liverpool in the table with a victory on Merseyside, after Jurgen Klopp’s side were held at West Ham on Monday.
City weren’t at their best at Goodison, but an Aymeric Laporte goal in first half stoppage time before a late second from Gabriel Jesus ensured that they returned to Manchester with all three points.
Speaking after the match, City boss Guardiola admitted that his side were sluggish in their win, but praised the players for not giving up when a week ago, defeat at Newcastle could have left them seven points behind Liverpool.
"Always the application is there,” said Guardiola after the match. “The performance wasn't what we expect but they tried.
"Seven days ago we could have been seven points behind. Now we are top. What is the lesson? Never give up."
Next up for City is a clash with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, while Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday.
