A brilliant brace from David Silva set the seal on yet another superb all-round display from Pep Guardiola’s side and helped City extend their lead over Manchester United to 16 points with eight games of the season left.
City now don’t play for 19 days but if they can secure another three points in their next match away at Everton, it would mean the club could clinch the title if we overcome United at the Etihad on April 7.
And the Blues skipper believes that potential scenario would be the stuff of dreams for everyone connected with the club.
“It’s that time of year - every single win brings you one step closer to your goal,” said the central defender.
“The manager said before the game: We are looking to keep this form to the end of the season and into the next one.
“Everybody on the Blue side of Manchester knows it (playing for the title in the Etihad derby) would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We have one more game before United and then we’ll see. It won’t be handed to us.
“We’re also looking long-term and that’s why the drive is still there.”
For Spanish magician Silva, his wonderful performance merely maintained the incredible standards he has set all season.
And David’s brilliant performances have been all the more remarkable given he has had to endure a worrying time off the pitch after his baby son was born prematurely earlier this year
“We have been playing like this from the beginning of the season,” said David.
“We are happy with the three points. Stoke away is a difficult place to come.
“When I play football, I forget everything. It’s good for me to play.
“In my private life, it’s a very hard moment. My son is fighting but we are happy because he is getting stronger.”
