Pep Guardiola sent Manchester City supporters a clear message at Goodison Park on Sunday.
City maintained their advantage in the Premier League title race with an impressive 3-0 win against Everton.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan continued his rich vein of form, striking either side of half-time as well as teeing up Erling Haaland to convert a header.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Gundogan again reminded supporters what they could miss next term.
The German opened the scoring with an audacious finish, controlling Riyad Mahrez’s cross with his thigh before flicking the ball past Jordan Pickford despite having his back to goal.
After assisting Haaland’s 35th league goal of the season, Gundogan completed the scoring with a deft free-kick early in the second half.
The win restored City’s four-point lead over title challengers Arsenal, with the Gunners set to play Brighton later on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola and his squad know that Arsenal will push them all the way, but even the usually pessimistic coach allowed himself to get a little excited at the full-time whistle.
City’s remaining league fixtures are against Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford, the latter two away from home.
Regardless of what Arsenal do in their remaining games, two wins from those three will secure City’s third consecutive Premier League title.
As was the case four years ago, City could clinch the title with a win at Brighton’s Amex Stadium.
It’s a fact that Guardiola is clearly aware of, and he was only too keen to share it with City’s travelling fans at full-time.
What did Guardiola say?
When City’s players and staff walked over to the away end to thank their supporters, Guardiola was caught on camera holding up two fingers to the crowd.
The City boss shouted, “Two more, two more!”, referencing City’s need to win just two more matches.
City’s attention now turns to Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, with the aggregate score locked at 1-1.
