Guardiola was effusive in his praise for his players, saying they'd had to be "smart" to secure the three points. And smart they were, especially considering the tough road ahead. With just five games left on the schedule, City's win at Goodison Park was a massive statement, especially given their recent struggles and the fact that Arsenal couldn't manage a win here.

The manager's gratitude towards his players was palpable as he reflected on their decade-long dedication. "What these players have done for me, I am so grateful, no matter what happens this season," he said. And this season has been a wild ride, with injuries piling up and the team's stability hanging in the balance.

But now, City's fortunes are looking up. The win has put them in pole position, with Nottingham Forest just a game behind in fifth place. And Guardiola is confident that the title is within their grasp. "We're miles away from Liverpool, but tonight we'll see what happens in the other games," he said, eyeing the results of Newcastle vs. Villa and Chelsea vs. Forest.

Guardiola's eyes are now firmly fixed on the prize, with a final showdown against Aston Villa on Tuesday and two more games to follow. "It's in our hands now," he declared. "We can achieve the success of qualifying for the Champions League with a bit of luck and some smart play."