Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was delighted after their 1-0 win against Chelsea.

City's 12th successive Premier League win means the champions are now 13 points clear at the top of the table, though Liverpool have played two games less.

Asked if he was pleased with the win today, Pep said: “They are the European champions. They deserved it. I know how difficult they are; how well they defend.

“They are a team that sits back and tries to beat you in transition and we beat them in one transition.

“We were fantastic. We defended incredibly well. All players gave everything.

“It is an important victory because we are playing against a big contender. Now, we rest and then it is Southampton."

City have now beaten Chelsea 1-0 home and away this campaign and the Catalan says it is vital to beat those around you.

“Of course because when you get three points, they cannot get three points and it's one week less," he said.

“In January, no-one is the champion. We can think about Chelsea, but Liverpool have one game in hand (after they play Brentford on Sunday).

“If they they win (the game in hand) versus Leeds, it's eight points and eight points in January is nothing. We spoke before the game.

“I want to win the game if we deserve it and we deserved it. I like football to be fair. I was happy to win against Arsenal, but we didn't deserve it. When you deserve it, it feels better."