Gundogan acknowledged that Everton's physical approach and long-ball tactics made it a tough test, but City's second-half performance was a masterclass in control and precision. "We came out in the second half to perform, and we've done that in a brilliant way," he said, beaming with pride.

The City midfielder also touched on the team's struggles earlier in the season, admitting that they'd dropped too many points and made too many individual mistakes. However, he's convinced that the team is now on the right track, citing their improved performances since the March international break.

"I feel like we're playing on a different level and different standards now," Gundogan declared. "You can feel it as a player on the pitch and in the training sessions. When you're on top of your game and you've got the right qualities in your squad, you can't avoid winning Premier League games."

Gundogan also gave a glowing endorsement to Jeremy Doku, who made a significant impact off the bench. The Belgian winger has struggled in recent months, but Gundogan believes he's now found his rhythm. "He's really strong in keeping the ball in one-on-ones offensively, and gives us a breather," Gundogan said. "He can go into the box and attract two or three opponents, making more space for other players."

The City midfielder emphasized the importance of having players who can make an impact from the bench, and Doku's performance was a perfect example. "It's crucial in a high-competitive league like the Premier League to have players coming from the bench who can leave a mark," Gundogan said. "Savinho has done really well too, and Jeremy's done it at the right time."

With City back in the top four, Gundogan knows they need to maintain their momentum to secure a Champions League spot. "We need to stay on top of our game for the rest of the season," he warned. "We definitely need to qualify for the Champions League."