Sunday 21 April 2019 07:02, UK
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed he enjoyed the tension of his side's nervy 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday that saw the champions return to the top of the Premier League.
The home team edged out Spurs thanks to Phil Foden's fifth-minute strike at the Etihad, with the young midfielder's first-ever top-flight goal meaning City are now just four wins from retaining their title.
However, City were unable to build on their perfect start and they allowed the visitors a number of chances, and on another day the north Londoners could easily have taken a point.
Guardiola, though, said the tension around the ground and the importance of the final result made City's victory even more satisfying.
"It was not our best performance comparing the other day, but today they played with nothing to lose and we play to lose the Premier League," he said.
"And after our defeat last Wednesday it was really tough, the last two days, but I like it being tough.
"We started incredibly well. Tottenham is an incredible team, but we are there, with 86 points after 100 last season, it is one of the most remarkable things in my career.
"Especially after 100 points, with the best Liverpool ever, one of the best sides I ever played (against) and every three days being there, being there, being there - it is remarkable.
Especially after 100 points, with the best Liverpool ever, one of the best sides I ever played (against) and every three days being there, being there, being there - it is remarkable
"I want to win it, but I will not judge if not. Tottenham is going to finish top four with the games they have, three at home, so they didn't have the pressure we had, so what we have done is massive."
Meanwhile, Guardiola is waiting to find out the severity of Kevin De Bruyne's injury suffered against Tottenham.
The Belgium midfielder, only recently back from a knee problem, limped off in the first half at the Etihad.
The matches keep coming thick and fast for City, who head across Manchester to Old Trafford on Wednesday, and Guardiola does not expect De Bruyne to be part of the squad for that game.
"I didn't speak with him or the doctors. It is a muscular injury and I don't know how big the impact is," the Catalan said.
"We will see tomorrow but I think the next game he will be out.
"I didn't speak (to him). He put his hands in the hamstring position. Tomorrow we will know."
