Pep Guardiola has described Watford’s second-half performance against Arsenal as “incredible” and believes Manchester City’s FA Cup final triumph over the Hornets means very little going into tomorrow’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The champions, who trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by five points after five games, will hope to get back to winning ways in the league following last weekend’s shock defeat at Norwich City.

Guardiola's side thrashed the Hornets 6-0 to clinch the treble in last season's FA Cup final but the Spaniard insists that counts for nothing now.

Watford sacked manager Javi Gracia earlier this month and, under new boss Quique Sanchez Flores, recovered from 2-0 down to draw with Arsenal last week thanks to Tom Cleverley and a Roberto Pereyra penalty.

Guardiola said: "It was the last game in the season. We played knowing we could be part of something unique in English football history - never has a team done four titles in one season, especially the three important domestic trophies.

"We had a few problems in the beginning from one or two counter-attacks but after we scored we were more relaxed. Now it's completely different.

"It is the beginning of a new season, they've changed their manager. I saw the game against Arsenal and - wow - the second half was incredible, the way they played."

Fernandinho is likely to remain in central defence after stepping in for the Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk following injury to John Stones, who joined Aymeric Laporte on the sidelines this week.

City have limited alternatives. Guardiola has hinted that Rodri or Kyle Walker could switch positions but untested teenagers Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are the only other specialists available.

It means City could be stretched in the coming weeks but Guardiola refuses to complain.

"It's not a problem it's a challenge," he said. "I don't take this situation as a problem. It is what it is and we have to accept it and handle it."