Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his team's 3-1 win at West Ham emphasised one of his earlier points.

Guardiola had been clear that it was hugely important for the club to have persuaded both Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker to sign new contracts.

Bernardo was outstanding in the game, scoring a crucial goal, while Walker put in an assured display as skipper.

“To have lost Kyle and Bernardo would have been so tough," Guardiola told reporters.

“It's not about how important they are on the pitch – they are important figures and personalities and there are many things that are almost irreplaceable for many aspects.

“Because the characters to be in the team need one year, two years, three years and maybe the players that substitute the players (that leave) the quality is there, and they will be good.

“But to be the composed, to be what they (Bernardo and Walker) have is so difficult.

“It needs time and that's why after losing important players like Gundo and Riyad it is really, really important as well (that they stayed).

“Have lost these players, to lose two more would have been incredibly important.

“That is why we are very pleased the club made the job and the players want to stay a little bit longer with us.

“So yeah, (we are) very happy."