Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City have bounced back after a 6-0 win at Ipswich this afternoon.

City came into the competition on the back of a five-match unbeaten run after some disappointing results before Christmas. But their performance level was still slightly below the all-conquering form that has seen them win four consecutive Premier League titles.

That changed in Suffolk as the home side were blown away by a devastating display of attacking football. Phil Foden scored six goals with Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee on the scoresheet twice to lift City to fourth in the table.

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Really happy Pep

Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We’re really happy, we’re back to doing the things that defined this team for the last 10 years. Really happy for the three points and to climb into the qualification for the Champions League for next season, it will be very difficult.

Asked to judge his side’s performance, he added: “Very good. Maybe not our best but close to the consistency we have in our game. Most of that didn’t happen in the previous games that we won.

“The way we went without the ball, you can’t play in short spaces. Everyone with the ball was clever, quick, quick. Everyone is related. You cannot be fast, smart and good if you are not defensively connected.

“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they beat Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam (Delap) is a great striker. The players saw what we are and that is the best thing.

‘You have to enjoy it’

City have endured a difficult season and are all but out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and Guardiola has stressed the need for joy as they look to a strong end to the campaign.

He added: “They (the players) know the standards and they know what they have done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, you have to enjoy it.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in a great theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and people in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”

Foden was named man of the match following his two goals at Brentford in midweek.

He told the club’s website: “It’s good to see me back scoring goals and with a smile on my face and enjoying my football. I have set some goals recently and I want to continue and add to them now.

“Everything seems to be changing in front of goal for me. I think I’ve been a bit unlucky before this goal which I’ve scored with few chances.

“If I can keep coming into the box with these players that we’ve got then they’ll keep looking for me. I’m happy to keep scoring.”