Their latest trip won't win another just yet, but it could be the result that denies Liverpool a farewell crown for Jurgen Klopp.
In this three-horse title race, Liverpool have unseated themselves in recent weeks, with their manager and captain effectively conceding the title after a dismal derby defeat at Everton on Wednesday.
City pulled them up as they leapfrogged Liverpool into second, and have the momentum against leaders Arsenal with the home straight approaching.
After so much talk of tiredness and fixture scheduling, this was a performance that looked like City had all the time in the world to prepare for. They were well-drilled, hungry, and their press was excellent. They were everything Liverpool weren't the night before, and made a tricky Brighton side look ordinary.
Guardiola and his players had complained of tiredness and taken not-so subtle swipes at the FA for their scheduling of their Champions League and FA Cup games last week. Bernardo insisted it was not fair and the turnaround between games was putting players' health at risk.
They have a legitimate point, but the welfare issue was put into perspective by the appearance of Russ Cook ahead of kick-off, who has just run the length of Africa - what must he think of these Premier League players complaining of playing 180 minutes over three days. Thankfully, there were no fitness issues at the Amex.
Guardiola had a luxurious five days to prepare for this game after all, giving his squad two days off and then 'putting them in the fridge' before this Thursday night contest. On this basis, they might be heading back in there for the rest of the season.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.
