1,000 games in, Guardiola has new energy for new era

Sunday began with a celebration of Pep Guardiola and ended in the same manner.

The 54-year-old chalked up his 716th victory on his landmark 1,000th game as manager, overseeing his Manchester City side emphatically dispatching champions Liverpool at Etihad Stadium.

"We've got, Guardiola..." to the tune of 'Glad All Over' was the chant from the home faithful at full-time, paying tribute to their boss in the knowledge that the foundations are in place for his latest rebuild and a tilt at a seventh Premier League crown.

The Spaniard - and City - looked tired last season, their energy sapped by a lengthy injury list on the back of a record-breaking fourth Premier League triumph in succession.

While the Reds are faltering in their quest to retain the trophy, the new blood instilled in the City team signals a revitalisation for managerial mastermind Guardiola, who is leading City's charge with a move to second in the table, four points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

"Teams win the Premier League when the team is growing every month," said Guardiola.

"When that happens you arrive at the end fighting for the title. We talk a lot and the feeling that we are in that way.

"It's nice to still have the feeling that we are back in terms of many things. I have the feeling it [the energy] is back."