Wednesday 3 January 2018 00:01, UK
Pep Guardiola has revealed Kevin De Bruyne convinced him he was ready to start against Watford despite problems with his ankle.
De Bruyne was stretchered off late in City's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace after a challenge from Jason Puncheon.
The Belgium international looked at first glance to have sustained a serious injury, but just three days later he was fit for selection against Watford.
"Kevin showed great character," Guardiola said.
"He said 'I want to play, I want to play' even though he has problems with his ankle.
"He showed us a lot of things - he gave an outstanding performance."
Raheem Sterling scored the fastest goal of the Premier League season and City netted further goals courtesy of a Christian Kabasele own goal (13) and Sergio Aguero (63).
The victory makes it 20 wins from 22 games this season and the gap back to rivals Manchester United is 15 points.
Guardiola was delighted with his team's reaction after the draw at Palace.
"It was excellent, brilliant," he said.
"We started really good and the second half was really good again. It was a good reaction after dropping points at Selhurst Park. We faced this team really well. Three more points, simple as that.
"We created lots of chances to score five or six, but it wasn't to be. The aim is to be better than the opponent in every game and we did it."