Pep Guardiola was delighted that Manchester City didn't lose their focus after they secured a second 3-0 victory over Arsenal in less than a week.
The City manager admitted he was concerned about facing the Gunners shortly after beating them in the Carabao Cup final to secure his first silverware since joining the Etihad club.
But his side were again dominant in freezing conditions at the Emirates, with brilliant first-half goals from Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane, although Guardiola said it was not their best 45 minutes of the season.
"We made an amazing three goals, nice goals, but the last 10 minutes and the first 20 minutes of the second half were really poor," Guardiola told a news conference.
"But we cannot deny that today was a tough game after beating Arsenal four days ago to come back here in front of their fans, they have pride. If you are a lot of points in front then maybe you can relax and we did the opposite but we played with courage and we made a good game.
"If Ederson didn't make the penalty save the game would have been completely open. That's why I give a lot of credit for winning that game and now we're 16 points back in front and we need five more wins to be champions."
The countdown to City's third Premier League title appears to have begun with five victories from their final 10 matches guaranteeing the crown.
But despite only failing to win four matches so far this season, Guardiola insists his team cannot afford to take anything for granted.
"We are close, we cannot deny that, it is in our hands that is important. But still we have tough fixtures and everything can happen. The most important thing is to be calm," he said.
"You are champions when you are champions, not when you need 15 points. People can say 'it's impossible' well okay. We won a lot of games and lost just one to lose five... why not? It can happen. Anything can happen."
While City and Guardiola are flying, defeat left Arsenal 30 points behind the leaders with the pressure growing on Arsene Wenger.
With the terrible weather conditions, the Emirates Stadium was half-full with boos ringing at half-time and full-time, and Guardiola has sympathy for the Gunners boss.
"We have fought many times," the Catalan coach said. "All the managers could be in his situation.
"But he has a lot of experience. He knows the club, he knows the Premier League, he knows his players. I'm sure he is going to take the right decision for the club, for him and for everybody."