Pep Guardiola: 'It's only September'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has refused to get carried away by his side's strong start to the new season following their 5-0 victory over rock-bottom Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Leroy Sane broke the deadlock for the hosts just before the first-time whistle, before Raheem Sterling with a brace, Sergio Aguero and Fabian Delph made the result decisive in what proved to be a second-half goalfest.

The result kept the Citizens top of the table and took their goal tally to 16 without reply in their last three league games alone.

At the same stage of last season City were two points better off having won their first six games in a row, but while remaining cautious, Guardiola admits that the general "feeling" is "a little bit better" this term.

"The first half we had problems as the ball must be moved and we didn't move it," he told Match of the Day after the final whistle.

"We had it but the ball needed to stay as little as possible in our feet before being moved. Too many touches and everything was slow. But the last 10-15 minutes of the half we got it.

"The second half was much, much better. Sane's goal was so important. His first touch for the goal was brilliant. He runs in behind amazingly. Always the right tempo and moment.

"We have less points than last season now but I think we have more goals, conceded less and the feeling I think is a little bit better. But it's just September."

City next face Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad on Tuesday night, before travelling to Premier League champions Chelsea next Saturday.