City shine as Guardiola hails standout performance and top-four ambitions

City shine as Guardiola hails standout performance and top-four ambitions

Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Etihad on Saturday, keeping their title challenge very much alive in the Premier League.

Ruben Dias opened the scoring in the 31st minute, Josko Gvardiol doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, and Phil Foden completed the scoring in the 65th.

Guardiola told BBC that the goals were impressive, with Dias's strike proving decisive and giving City control early in the second half.

He stressed that the most important quality is quality crosses, from either wing, and he added that Lionel Messi has long been a model of simple, effective football.

Rayan Cherki continued to demonstrate his talent, while Nico Gonzalez delivered another standout performance as City managed without Rodri and Kovacic.

The City boss praised the team's overall display, noting they created more chances and conceded fewer goals, describing the performance as among their best for a full 90 minutes.

Asked about Arsenal and Chelsea dropping points, Guardiola said league success hinges on consistent form and ongoing improvement rather than a single good day.

City moved within two points of the leaders, reaching 31 points in second place while Sunderland remained on 23 in seventh.

And a light touch at the end: if City keep this scoring form, future games might need a safety belt in the stands. Also, for Arsenal and Chelsea, this season seems to come with extra homework in the study of patience and consistency.