Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's goal glut of 11 goals in the space of five days could be an important step forward in what could be a tight title race.
The Blues started the week with a goal difference that was nine fewer than that of Liverpool, which could end up costing them if the race is as tense and close as it was in 2018-19.
But by hammering Leeds 7-0 and Newcastle 4-0, they carved a chunk out of that big Liverpool advantage, before Jurgen Klopp's team squared up to Spurs later in the afternoon.
Guardiola said that he does not think in terms of racking up big scores, only about performance and result, but conceded that wiping out Liverpool's advantage could prove key.
"When we start a game we don't talk about goals we have to score to win the game," said Guardiola. "Today in the first half we didn't do what we have to do, the quality of players make the difference.
"When the games go well we can score goals. Of course we try to do it. but it's not an issue right now.
"Now we will have one or two days off. The players need it, then three days (training) before Leicester, Brentford and Arsenal.
"The end of the season will dictate our level. It's important, the goal difference against Liverpool and Chelsea, to be there. Eleven goals in two games solves this goal difference problem."
The City boss was also impressed by Newcastle and believes they can escape relegation with the spirit they showed, and the support they got from the St James' Park faithful.
"IT was an incredible atmosphere — how they support the team. the momentum, dynamics, and they have exceptional players, a really good team," he said.
"They are struggling, but it's a long season, for teams to win the Premier League, qualify for Europe, and at the bottom. There are many games to play, so they can be positive."
We’ve teamed up with LiveScore to invite fans to vote for their favourite results - the games which were much more than a score. Vote for the match that mattered to you here .
