A dramatic, draining victory over a Bournemouth team still looking for its first point provided a reminder of the battles Guardiola’s Manchester City team must win if they are to become champions.

But while a game Kevin De Bruyne described as “crazy” may have offered evidence to support the view that the domestic title is the hardest of Europe’s major leagues to win, his manager insisted this does not equate to it being regarded as being the best.

“I know you like to hear that ‘it is the toughest one, congratulations’. You are so proud, the Premier League is fantastic,” said Guardiola.

“The Premier League is top. You are the most viewed. But every League, every competition, has its specific things, and ways.

“Of course the Premier League is tough, so tough. But I would not say to go to Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Bilbao, Sevilla is easy. Because in the last decade, all the Spanish teams arrive in the Champions League and the Europa League.

“And the Premier League will be tough when - hopefully this is going to happen with five teams in the Champions League – they can achieve the last rounds.