‘What we have done is more than remarkable, it is incredible’ – Guardiola praises players after Man City beat Everton in FA Cup

Pep Guardiola believes the form Manchester City have shown in the last four months is one of his side’s greatest achievements.

A 2-0 win over Everton after goals in the last six minutes from Ilkay Gundogan and substitute Kevin De Bruyne, who only came on in the 80th minute, saw City secure a third successive FA Cup semi-final spot for the first time since 1932.

Since the defeat to Tottenham on November 21, City have played 33 matches across all competitions, winning 29, drawing three and losing just once.

And Guardiola hailed his side’s wonderful consistency during the winter months as one of the greatest achievements during his City tenure.

“We have to adapt – every game is different,” he said. “Leicester may be similar and play four in the middle. Dortmund and Leeds will be different.

“Managers know what they have to do.

“But when you win a lot of games like we have in the last four months, it’s because you can adapt. That pleases me the most.

“It’s not just tactics, it’s mental – being ready every game.

“What we have done is more than remarkable. It’s incredible. One of the greatest achievements we have done together.

“We haven’t won anything yet, so we will be focused and we will see how far we arrive in the competitions.

“Honestly, since last break four months ago, we played 34 games.

“In this winter time, playing every three days, with incredible commitment in every competition, I don’t have any words to express that.”

The win over Everton saw City overcome one of the sternest tests we’ve faced this season, thier 25th victory in 26 matches and kept them on course for the quadruple.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were hard-working, organised and posed a significant threat from setpieces. But City remained calm and found a way through in the closing stages, with Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne both scoring late on to seal the win.

Guardiola says he knew exactly what to expect from a side who have impressed this season.

“We knew how tough it would be – the FA Cup, away, against Everton,” he said.

“We were in Budapest in the week. They were incredibly committed from the beginning, we knew it.

“They defend incredibly well and have pace with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“Every throw is like a corner and they have big players, like [Yerry] Mina.

“These games need patience. We knew the team who scored would win the game.

“All the players were fantastic and Riyad and Kevin in the last minutes could change the rhythm – we found the goal and we are in the semi-final.

“We knew it would be one of the toughest games we would face.”