Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola yesterday praised his side when he said that they played the best football of his time in charge as they eased past Shakhtar Donetsk to go top of Champions League Group F.

The reigning EPL champions owned the match from kickoff to full-time, with captain David Silva and defender Aymeric Laporte scoring in the first half before substitute Bernardo Silva made it three goals for three points.

Guardiola, who was appointed in 2016, described the performance as “outstanding” and “incredible” as the hosts were beaten at home by an English side in Europe for the first time.

“Our first half was the best we have played in the last three seasons, since I’ve been here,” said Guatdiola.

“We were outstanding – we created a lot of chances.”

City had 14 shots in the first half alone in Kharkov, during which Riyad Mahrez saw an effort cleared off the line by Yaroslav Rakitskiy when the game was goalless.

Raheem Sterling also hit the bar in the final moments.