Man City 2-0 Everton: ‘In his absolute prime’ – Erling Haaland adds to Blues’ ‘superpowers’

City have now won 10 games in a row in all competitions – a run that helped send them top of the Premier League until Liverpool beat Burnley later on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side are still in the FA Cup – they face Luton in the fifth round later this month – and resume their Champions League defence against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.

With four months of the season to go, it feels like they are getting stronger – the second half was the first time since they won the Champions League final in June that Haaland, De Bruyne and John Stones were on the pitch at the same time.

“This is the business end of the season and it’s like one of City’s superpowers that they can change players and the output doesn’t change,” Ferdinand said.

“The standards don’t drop, no other team in Europe can do that. That is the powerhouse they have become and they have players who are difference-makers all over the team – plus City’s players on the bench walk into any other Premier League side.”

One of those substitutes on Saturday was De Bruyne, who has only just returned from a long-term injury.

His late assist – his 106th in the Premier League – was a reminder of his relationship with Haaland that has provided so many City goals.

Asked about their understanding, Guardiola explained: “It has been like that since day one.

“Kevin needs runners, and the runner for Kevin needs assists. They made a natural connection from the beginning. Of course with Erling and Kevin, we are stronger, it is obvious – and it’s really important for us that they are both back.

“Kevin, since he came back, is so fresh in his mind and legs and that is why sometimes I don’t want to start him. He and Kyle Walker made incredible contributions when they came on.”