Rio Ferdinand makes "bored" admission in verdict on Man City boss Pep Guardiola

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City will earn a higher level of praise for their achievements when Pep Guardiola leaves as manager.

And the former England centre back says the “ridiculous standard” set by the reigning Premier League champions in recent years has meant no one is surprised by their ongoing success and there is a risk the average punter could become bored - just like when he was marshalling United’s defence 15 years ago.

Speaking in his role as a pundit on TNT Sports before City hosted Everton in Saturday’s early kick off, Ferdinand said: “When their period comes to an end, which is hopefully not too far, that’s when I think people will appreciate what they’ve done properly.

“When Pep eventually leaves here, he’ll be lauded to another level because of what he’s achieved. It felt similar to my time at Man United because when you’re winning consistently, people do get bored at times - I’m not saying anyone is getting bored of Man City winning again but people aren’t as surprised anymore.

“It isn't a surprise that Erling Haaland has 40-plus goals or Kevin De Bruyne is at the top of the assist charts or if they’re on a 20-plus unbeaten run. It’s a ridiculous standard they’ve set themselves now.”

City had to display plenty of patience when defeating Everton at the Etihad as they returned to the top of the league table - for a couple of hours at least.

But just when it looked like Sean Dyche’s relegation threatened side (who were unable to have their manager on the touchline owing to a suspension) may frustrate their hosts and leave with a point, fit again Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

The first was assisted by Nathan Ake, before De Bruyne teed the Norwegian striker up for his second five minutes from the end. They were Haaland's first goals in the league since suffering a stress reaction in his leg in November.

City have now won 10 games in a row in all competitions with just a single defeat in 23 matches since being beaten by title rivals Arsenal in October. Guardiola's team travel to Copenhagen for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday before hosting Chelsea in the league next weekend.