Pep Guardiola could only laugh as he was asked whether Sean Dyche's Everton were the perfect opponent for Manchester City to kick-start their dreadful form.

"You are so kind," Guardiola joked. "In that situation there is not a perfect opponent. It's about us to come back at our best. Will take time because we don't have players, have to get results as soon as possible."

And a defiant City boss insisted that criticism of Erling Haaland, with just one goal in six and four in 11, is not the reason for their slump to seventh place in the Premier League. Haaland himself declared he has 'not been good enough' this season and is looking at himself before any wider criticisms of the team.

READ MORE: Man City give injury update on three players vs Everton and confirm Christmas Day training plan

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola tipped for shock new role after Man City exit

"It's about us, not just one player," said the boss. "When in the past we score goals, Erling so prolific in helping us because of the team. When you have problems at the back and the middle is for everyone. A team. Not just for one person, that would be easy. It's not just one player, the reason why. It's not about that.

"Erling is so important for us, will be so important for us, he has been. We try to do the things better to use him better."

And as Guardiola takes to the training pitch over Christmas to find a solution to City's desperate form, he picked apart the 'tendency' to focus on one specific issue behind their dive in form, like running or fighting, as well as specific stats like Haaland's goals.

"In this situation the tendency is to say the reason why is this one or this one," he said. "It's about us, about everyone. There will be analysis that the guys are running more than ever. The tendency is 'we don't run' or 'we don't fight' or this situation or this player. 'The reason why is this player or manager.'

"It's many little details that all together make us not as good as we were. We have another opportunity in Boxing Day to try and win time for the players to come back and in certain time will be better."