Tom Cleverley has described Manchester City’s display in their 6-0 hammering of Watford as one of the best he has faced in his career.

The Hornets were swept aside as City took their tally of goals to 15 in their last three games thanks to a Sergio Aguero strike and goals from Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Otamendi and Raheem Sterling.

It was a performance of attacking potency which suggested City will be in the running for the title come the business end of the season.

Cleverley, who has played against the likes of Real Madrid in his career, was impressed with what he saw from Pep Guardiola’s side.

“In my whole career that is one of, if not the best single performances I have played against,” Cleverley said.

“Every area of the field they are organised. Even the nasty side of the game, they can do that with players like Fernandinho. They started well last year and didn’t manage to win it, so let’s see.

“It is one game and we have not really tested them today and they will come up against different challenges.”

Saturday’s loss saw Watford’s unbeaten league start to the season come to an emphatic end as Marco Silva’s side missed out on the chance to briefly top the Premier League table.

Their task was made harder by a few officiating decisions which went against them, particularly for two first half goals which were marginal offside calls.

Cleverley accepted the result would likely have gone against Watford either way, but still felt referee Anthony Taylor made some poor decisions.

“It is hard against any team in the Premier League, but against one of the top teams it is extra difficult,” he said.

“He has made a couple of mistakes and he will probably know that. A fair share of the decisions didn’t go for us today, but hopefully they will level out over the course of the season.”

Regardless of the disappointment of defeat, Cleverley insists Watford will not dwell on the result and says they have the character to bounce back Swansea in their next match.

“We had a chat among ourselves in their now and it shows how good team spirit we have that everyone said it is just three point just like Southampton and Bournemouth,” he said.

“It is three points lost against one of the big teams and we will go to Swansea next week knowing that is just another three points.

“We have got the team spirit and the manager now to not let this affect us. Just like we didn’t get too cocky after the good start we won’t get too low after this.”