“One of the greatest achievements in our careers” — that was the verdict of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after his side’s 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday brought their 20th successive victory.

City won with goals from defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones — and it was a result which extended their winning streak and lifted them 13 points clear in the English Premier League.

It was also a victory which left their manager reaching for the superlatives — Guardiola called the feat “so difficult”.

Playing less than 72 hours after a Champions League match in Budapest, City produced one of their sloppiest displays in recent months but emerged with their winning run intact as Stones swept in the decisive goal in the 68th minute from Riyad Mahrez’s pass.

Dias, Stones’ partner in central defence, put City in front off a header from a deep left-footed cross by Kevin de Bruyne in the 30th only for Pep Guardiola’s team to concede their first home goal in two and half months when Michail Antonio equalised just before half-time.

It was City’s 14th win in a row in the league — only the sixth time that has been achieved in English top-flight history. Three of those have been attained by City under Guardiola since his arrival in 2016.

Manchester United and Leicester are tied for points as City’s nearest rivals, and both play Sunday.

Guardiola rotated his team, as he promised he would, and included record scorer Sergio Aguero in the starting line-up for the first time in the league since October 24 — coincidentally against West Ham, too.

The injury-plagued Argentina striker lasted only 60 minutes before being taken off and he looked off the pace.

Messi on target

In Seville, Barcelona forwards Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi fired the Catalans to a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at in-form Sevilla to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Dembele latched on to a through ball from Messi and knocked it through the legs of Sevilla keeper Bono to give Barca a deserved lead in the 29th minute after dominating the first half and barely giving their hosts a hint of a chance.

Sevilla improved after the break but Barca continued to have the edge and found a second goal five minutes from time when Messi played a one-two with teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba and netted with a scrappy finish after having his first effort saved by Bono.

The result ended a six-game winning streak in the league for Sevilla, who remained fourth in the standings on 48 points, while Barca climbed above Real Madrid into second place with 53 points, two behind Atletico.