MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola said Manchester City players need to be more consistent after their 6-0 victory over Chelsea.
City rounded off a week of difficult fixtures with an emphatic victory over Maurizio Sarri’s side to move back top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference — but were beaten 2-1 at St James’ Park less than two weeks ago.
“One week ago we played Newcastle, you remember?” Guardiola said. “One week ago, not two months or something like that. Football is better if you stay calm.
“It was tough and now it will be tougher. After three games in a week — Arsenal, especially Goodison Park and playing the way we played with this intensity and the desire and patience to find the right moment, the players were outstanding.
“I said thank you to them for what they have done.”
Guardiola praised his players for their performance levels in the emphatic win over Chelsea, which came on the back of two tough games inside a week.
“Yes, we played good, the first four times we arrived we scored three goals and missed one but after Sergio Aguero scored an incredible goal but it was not easy,” he said. “Scoring six goals against Chelsea is not easy, which is why we are so pleased with this week.
“Not just for today but Arsenal, Everton and that’s all. So finally we can now have two days off and prepare for Newport and the Carabao Cup final.”
Aguero was one of the outstanding players as he scored his 11th Premier League hat trick during his time at City to draw level with Alan Shearer for most trebles in Premier League history.
The Argentina international could have even had more — hitting the crossbar and missing a golden opportunity from two yards that had his manager on his knees in frustration.
But Aguero more than made up for it, particularly with a stunning 25-yard opener, and the pair shared a joke when he was substituted midway through the second half.
“[I told him] nice goals. I think he got Alan Shearer’s record,” Guardiola said. “He said to me he saw Kepa [Arrizabalaga] coming quick to close the space and he wanted to go close to the post and that’s why he missed it.
“I told him not to do it again, but I think reaction was a little better.”
Aguero is now the joint top scorer in the Premier League with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and quickly brushed off the miss.
“I don’t know [what happened] it sometimes happens but important to get the next one so I’m very happy,” the forward said.
“The important thing after that is to keep the ball but more important is to win.”