Cape Town - Manchester
City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged his team are almost within reach
of the Premier League trophy after a dominant 1-0 victory over Chelsea
on Sunday.
Guardiola's side spent the majority of the match at the Etihad Stadium camped inside the Blues' half, but had just the one goal to show for their efforts.
The visitors held out until half-time, but conceded 35 seconds after the restart when Bernardo Silva converted David Silva's cross at the back post.
The Citizens went 18 points clear at the top of the standings ahead of Manchester United's trip to Crystal Palace on Monday, and Guardiola admits it was another step in the right direction with just four more wins needed to secure the title.
The Spaniard was particularly impressed with how City kept the defending champions quiet in attack after they failed to register a single shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.
"We didn't concede one chance and we created enough to win the game," Guardiola told Sky Sports in his post-match interview.
"Our high-pressing and build-up was outstanding. I'm so happy as it's another step forward to be champions - we have a lot of points. We did perfect.
"Chelsea didn't have one shot on target - they are usually a prolific team that create chances. Against Barcelona they scored and created two or three other chances when Willian hit the post. So, today we were so good not to concede chances."
When asked if he thought City would be in such a commanding position after 29 games, Guardiola replied: "No way! Who could believe it? The players don't believe it either. In terms of results and the way we play, so far we are so good. This is a consequence of the way we play."