Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola showed great respect to title rivals Liverpool after his side brushed aside Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Doubles from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez gave City a convincing 4-1 win against their local rivals in a one-sided affair.
The result restored the champions' six point lead at the top of the Premier League, but Guardiola insisted that Liverpool are as good as any side he has ever faced in management.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: "Hopefully we can say we are a pain in the a** for Liverpool too.
"I said many times the success as a manager is the fact that year after year we still run like we are there to win again, even after three titles.
"We remain humble and continue to play every single game, do it and be there, these guys have done it many, many times.
"To fight with them (Liverpool) is one of the biggest achievements of my career. They are outstanding.
"Liverpool are the toughest opponent I have ever faced in my 12-13 years as a manager."
After the match, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane believed that City were marginal favourites for the Premier League title.
Both clubs are still in the hunt for silverware on three fronts, chasing glory in the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as the Premier League.
The two sides play each other at the Etihad Stadium on April 10.
Liverpool have a tricky run of fixtures to navigate first, leading up to the huge clash with City.
For an overview of Liverpool and Manchester City's next six fixtures, CLICK HERE.
