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Pep Guardiola mentioned Liverpool after Man City's late win over Aston Villa.(Image: Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested that they showed Liverpool-esque qualities after a dramatic win over Aston Villa.

Matheus Nunes' stoppage-time winner boosted their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League against their European rivals in a dramatic 2-1 triumph.

For just the second time in years, the Reds are battling at the top of the Premier League but aren't facing competition from the Etihad Stadium after being left frustrated with battles against Pep Guardiola's sides and those before him.

Liverpool are within touching distance of a second Premier League crown, taking back the silverware from their M62 rivals, but the contrasting fortunes have seen City struggle this season as their win on Tuesday moved them four points clear in the Champions League places.

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The manner of their triumph over Villa was one that typically happens for Liverpool, the Catalan head coach joked.

"We are not used to it.

The last-minute win belongs to Liverpool," he told Sky Sports.

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"We are not used to it so I am really happy.

"We are in the last four games, we know Champions League contenders like Aston Villa, they are one of the top teams in Europe.

"We played very good.

Really pleased."

The rebuild in Greater Manchester has already begun during the winter transfer window with the arrival of Omar Marmoush, Nicolas Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Victor Reis.

City will likely continue to be busy during the close season with Kevin de Bruyne among the high-profile exits at the Etihad.

Predictions will place the current champions back amongst the upper reaches of the table as they push for Champions League qualification as their objective.

But the feeling isn't shared in the dugout with Guardiola admitting that his side remain "miles away".

"If you win you have character, if you don't win you don't have character - this is the motto," said the 54-year-old.

"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.

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"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."


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