Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City are back after they secured a 6-0 win at Ipswich this afternoon.
City went into the competition following a five-game unbeaten run and some dismal results before Christmas. But their level of performance was still well below the stunning form that has taken them to four consecutive Premier League titles.
That changed in Suffolk as the home side were overwhelmed by a devastating attacking performance. Phil Foden scored twice, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee all got on the scoresheet, with City moving up to fourth in the table with six goals.
Today #StatWrap 📊
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Really happy, Pep
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We’re really happy, we’re back to doing things that have defined this team for the last 10 years. “I’m really happy about the three points and about qualifying for the Champions League Next season will be so difficult.”
When asked to rate his team’s performance, he added: “Much better. Maybe not our best, but with the consistency we have in our game we are closer. Most of these didn’t exist in the previous games we won.
“The way we played without the ball, you can’t play short distances. Everyone who had the ball was smart, quicker, quicker. Everyone is related. You can’t be fast, smart and good if you’re not connected defensively.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won away at Spurs. They are a good team and Liam (Delap) is a fantastic striker. The players have seen what we are and that’s the best thing.”
“You have to enjoy it”
City have endured a difficult season and are all but out of the title race as they trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points. Guardiola stressed the importance of having fun as they hope for a strong end to the season.
He added: “They (the players) know the standards and what they have done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, you have to enjoy it.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and those in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”
Foden was named man of the match after his two goals at Brentford in midweek following his second brace in a row.
He told the club website: “It’s nice to see me scoring goals again, with a smile on my face and enjoying football. “I’ve had a few goals recently and now I want to move on and expand on them.
“Everything seemed to change for me in front of the goal. I think I was a bit unlucky before these goals, which I scored with a few chances.
“If I continue to arrive in the box with these players we have, they will continue to find me. I’m happy to continue scoring points.”
