Manchester City look invincible under Pep Guardiola, having secured their 18th consecutive Premier League victory on Tuesday night.

The Citizens beat Newcastle 1-0, though the result was more comfortable than the scoreline looks, and it meant that they have now faced all 19 of their opponents and have failed to lose.

Everton are the only team to avoid defeat against them, earning a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in August, although they were only minutes from victory when Raheem Sterling equalised.

The former Barcelona man has guided them to a seemingly unassailable lead after just 20 games, as they are 15 points clear of Manchester United in second, and it would take a huge collapse to lose it.

They have the opportunity to tie the record for the most consecutive league wins in Europe against Crystal Palace on Sunday, which was set by Bayern Munich when Guardiola was their manager.

Guardiola has transformed several of City's players into world-beaters, notably Sterling, who has 17 goals and six assists in just 25 games this term.

Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva have been the heartbeat of the team, while Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have both chipped in with their fair share of goals, along with Leroy Sane.

At the back, John Stones is beginning to look like a steal for the £47.5m they paid Everton in 2016, and Ederson is certainly an upgrade on Claudio Bravo.

So it was a surprise that when Guardiola claimed to have a 'superman' in his squad, he wasn't in fact talking about any of those players.

Nicolas Otamendi is the man the City boss was referring to, thanks to his 'fighting' spirit.

The Argentinean has come under scrutiny during his two-and-a-half years at the Etihad, but has answered his critics this term, helped by the four league goals he's scored.

And Guardiola believes they wouldn't be where they are this season without the former Valencia defender.

"Otamendi helped us absolutely," he started. "We have a superman in the team!

"He's always fighting. Hugest competitor I have seen in my life.

"Without him, it would have been impossible."

Guardiola confirmed that his defensive options are being bolstered by the return to fitness of Stones, while Vincent Kompany should be fit for their remaining festive fixtures, though Fabian Delph is still a doubt.

If City are going to achieve the impossible and go the whole season unbeaten, they're going to need warriors at the back like Otamendi.