Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City players to make a statement about next season before they thrashed new Premier League champions Liverpool.
Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden all netted before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's unfortunate own goal completed the surprising rout.
Sterling revealed details of Guardiola's team talk. 'The manager said that next season started today,' the forward said. 'We had a test to make a point and we did brilliantly.' De Bruyne further underlined his importance to City, who are still chasing glory in the FA Cup and Champions League, on a night Guardiola labelled him the best midfielder in world football.