With Aguero sidelined, Jesus was handed his second successive league start and the 23-year-old took full advantage, scoring his seventh goal in all competitions to give Guardiola’s side an early lead at Turf Moor.

“There are no doubts about Gabriel,” Guardiola told reporters. “We are delighted with him all the time. We have been together for a long period.

“Strikers need to score goals. Of course, we need his goals. He knows that but his contribution in many ways is fantastic.”

City’s record scorer Aguero is still weeks away from returning to action after a bout of Covid-19 and Jesus could lead the line once again when Guardiola’s side travels to Anfield to face champions Liverpool on Sunday.

City are top of the table, three points clear of Manchester United with a game in hand.