Pep Guardiola was delighted with Manchester City's performance against Aston Villa.

The Sky Blues kept pace with league leaders Chelsea thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Villa Park.

And Guardiola thinks his side thoroughly deserved the three points.

He told BBC Sport: "We make an incredible game because I know how good they are. Steven Gerrard is already a great manager. They know exactly what they want to do with a lot of quality.

"We played 90 minutes exceptional. With the quality Villa to have to concede not many chances. I say to the players, they [the injured players] are not here and are not going to help us win. The academy will help us win.

"When Kevin de Bruyne doesn't play and Phil Foden doesn't play we are not a team to run on the counter attack but that goal, was exceptional from Bernardo Silva.

"We see tomorrow. I don't think so but they were not here. Tomorrow we will assess.

"People can express what they want [towards Jack Grealish]. If they boo it is because they love him so much. I thought a lot of people were clapping. A warm welcome back to this club. He lives this club more than any other. He decided to take the next step to play in Europe."