Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was full of praise for his side after Saturday's 4-0 win against Stoke City.
The Citizens will host Real Madrid in the Champions League next week but they were not affected by such a big game as they eased past Mark Hughes' side.
The win moved City above Arsenal with the Gunners in action later on today away at Sunderland.
"I think it was the perfect match," Pellegrini declared.
"It was important to have our mind focused on this game and not on Tuesday [against Real Madrid].
"Big teams must be able to have their minds in all competitions and have good performances in them.
"Like I said though, it was exactly the same against Paris Saint-Germain - we had played well against Bournemouth in the days before. It's a good way to prepare for the Champions League.
"The most important thing was the result but we need to play eight games in 30 days so it was important to make rotations.
"David Silva was just coming back from an injury so he played 60 minutes. Kun has been playing 90 minutes a lot so it was good for him to rest. It was the same thing with Kevin De Bruyne.
"Fernando has a little pain in his knee but I think he will be okay for Tuesday. Yaya Toure finished with a muscle injury so we will see tomorrow with the doctor.
"It was a risk for Vincent Kompany to play two games in 72 hours. I think he will be okay for Tuesday - he worked this morning and he is not having any problems.
"Kelechi [Iheanacho] is a player with an important role at this Club. He played very well and his contribution is important. I am very pleased."
