Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City were back after they romped to a 6-0 win at Ipswich this afternoon.
City came into the contest on the back of a five-match unbeaten run following some dismal results before Christmas. But their level of performance was still some way below the all-conquering form that has led them to four successive Premier League titles.
That changed in Suffolk as the home side were blown away by a devastating display of attacking football. Phil Foden scored twice with Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee all getting on the scoresheet with the six goals taking City up to fourth in the table.
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Really pleased Pep
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We are really pleased, we are back to doing things that define this team for the last 10 years. Really pleased for the three points and to climb into qualification for the Champions League for next season, that will be so tough.”
Asked to judge his side’s display, he added: “Much better. Maybe not our best but closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn’t happen in the previous games that we won.
“With the way we went without the ball, you cannot play in the short spaces. Everyone with the ball was clever, quicker, faster. Everyone is related. You cannot be quick, wise and good if you are not connected defensively.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won at Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are and that is the best thing.”
‘You have to enjoy it’
City have endured a difficult season and they are all but out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with Guardiola stressing the need for enjoyment as they eye a strong end to the campaign.
He added: “They [the players] know the standards and they know what they have done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, you have to enjoy it.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theatre in London or a theatre in Sheffield and the ones in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”
Foden was named man of the match after his second successive brace following his two goals at Brentford in midweek.
He told the club website: “It’s good to see me back scoring goals and with a smile on my face and enjoying my football. I’ve had a few goals recently and I want to keep going now and adding to that.
“It’s all seemed to change for me in front of goal. I think I’ve been a bit unlucky before these goals I’ve been scoring with a few chances.
“If I can keep arriving in the box with these players we have got then they will keep finding me. I’m delighted to keep on scoring.”
