'If you don't win, you don't have character' - Pep Guardiola plays up Man City 'motto' as manager admits they are now 'miles away' from Premier League title contenders

Goals from young star Nico O'Reilly and Premier League midfield stalwart Mateo Kovacic got City over the line against the Toffees, dragging them closer to a vital top-five finish and Champions League football next season. While that victory was a crucial step in the right direction, according to their manager the battle is far from over, with City needing to show 'character' in order to win their upcoming games.

Speaking after the game about a shift in mindset, Guardiola said: "I've tried to convince the players that qualifying for the Champions League is a huge achievement in this country and in this league. Being in the Champions League is enough, thinking that is not enough for us would be arrogant.

"If you win you have character, if you don't win you don't have character - this is the motto. What these players have done for one decade, I am so grateful for, whatever has happened - this season more than ever, in the toughest period for many reasons especially injuries.

"We were more or less stable, kept going and going for the next time. We are miles away from Liverpool and Arsenal but tonight we sleep fourth. It is in our hands but we have a final on Tuesday, three games at home, two away and hopefully we can achieve this big success to qualify for the Champions League."

Regardless of the narrative Pep pushes, points-wise there has been an enormous drop-off this campaign, with City's win at Goodison Park securing only their 58th point of the season and heaving them into fourth place - at this stage last year, Guardiola's team were closing in on the title with 73 points on the board already. The City boss has endured the most difficult season of his managerial career so far, but he seems determined to bounce back and prove himself again.

The current champions have five games left to ensure they qualify for next season's Champions League, amid intense competition from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Chelsea. Next up is a huge test for Man City: a home fixture against Villa, fresh from the West Midlands club's hugely impressive 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday 19 April.