Pep Guardiola paid tribute to how his side put Leeds to the sword and revealed that the Man City players had some extra motivation.
City were relentless as they put seven goals past Marcelo Bielsa’s side, to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table before Liverpool and Chelsea return to action on Thursday night.
Last season, Leeds and City played out a thrilling draw at Elland Road, before Stuart Dallas scored a 91st-minute winner at the Etihad to give the visitors a shock victory.
The City players clearly remembered the results, and they got their revenge in ruthless fashion.
“We lost five points last season when we played Leeds,” Guardiola said.
“We tried to prepare well for the game. The players, maybe they felt that it is a more serious team that people think.
“I know exactly which manager conducts this team. The pride they have every game, with every single ball. We saw the game against Chelsea, they deserved to take at least one point. The way they fought, maybe they were a little tired as they played just two days ago.
“That is why I give credit for the victory because I am pretty sure that every opponent knows what it is to play Leeds. Now we rest and prepare for Newcastle on Sunday.
“When you get these results it’s because individually they [the players] are brilliant.”
Kevin De Bruyne scored two goals on his return to the starting lineup in the Premier League, and his manager was delighted to have the Belgian back.
Guardiola said: “We need him. We’ve been together for six seasons What he has done for me is amazing.
“Step by step he will come back. He struggled at the start of the season, he lost rhythm with Covid and hopefully now he continue this rhythm.”
