Guardiola chides United: Bournemouth best team we've played so far

Whether he intended to or not, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will surely have irked rival supporters from the red half of the city, as the Spanish tactician said Saturday that Bournemouth is the best team his club has played so far this season.

City, who easily toppled the Cherries 4-0 to remain perfect on the campaign, already met Manchester United earlier in the season, claiming a 2-1 win in the heated derby.

Despite that, Guardiola claims that Eddie Howe's side, and not Jose Mourinho's, provided the most stern opposition for his strolling Citizens.

"The important thing is we won a game just a few days after a Champions League game. The Champions League is so demanding in the physical condition but especially in the head so to come back again is not easy," he said.

"Bournemouth was until now the best team, who create more problems when they have the ball. The other teams play long balls and they want to play and our high pressing was not perfect."

He added, "The quality of our players made the difference. I'm very pleased because I know against which team we won. (Joshua) King is a tough, tough striker and their wingers are so fast."

It's a nice compliment to Howe and his men, who have gained plaudits for their attractive brand of football, but that title doesn't figure to last long; City is slated to meet Barcelona in the Champions League next month.