In what has been a relatively underwhelming campaign by the club's high standards - following four consecutive Premier League titles and consistent success in Europe - City found themselves needing a late surge to secure three vital points at Goodison Park. With just six minutes remaining, it was O'Reilly, followed by Mateo Kovacic, who delivered the goals that saw City return to the top four.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Guardiola underscored the significance of the result.

"I would say [this win is] big. We have five, six games left and with the moment they had after winning against Nottingham Forest, and considering Liverpool and Arsenal couldn't win here, it is massively important," said the Man City boss.

I've tried to convince the players that qualifying for the Champions League is a huge achievement in this country and in this league. Thinking otherwise would be arrogant."

With the Premier League securing an additional Champions League qualification spot for next season, City now find themselves in a stronger position, albeit still in a tightly contested race. Victory in their next match against fellow contenders Aston Villa would further cement their ambitions.

Reflecting on the moment, Guardiola acknowledged the adversity his squad has faced, particularly with injuries.

"What these players have done for a decade, I am so grateful for this season more than ever, in the toughest period for many reasons, especially injuries.

We're miles away from Liverpool and Arsenal but tonight we sleep fourth. It is in our hands. We have a final on Tuesday, three games at home, two away, and hopefully we can achieve this big success," said Guardiola.

The win was marked by emotional celebrations, with players and coaching staff joining supporters in the away section to acknowledge their backing. Chants rang out for Guardiola and for veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to leave the club at season's end.

One of the standout figures of the night was 20-year-old O'Reilly, a Manchester-born academy graduate who has impressed since stepping in amid defensive injuries. Deployed in an inverted left-back role that allows him to drift into midfield, he has contributed to six goals in his last six appearances across all competitions.

Guardiola was quick to acknowledge the youngster's impact.

"He's not really a left-back. He's an attacking midfielder. But like Gvardiol before him, he has adapted and is helping us enormously. He has taken his opportunity well, and I'm more than grateful," said the Spanish tactician.

O'Reilly's goal made him the fourth-youngest player to score in consecutive Premier League games for City, following in the footsteps of Kelechi Iheanacho, Gabriel Jesus, and Phil Foden.

The player himself acknowledged the steep learning curve involved in adapting to a new role.

"My defending and positioning while defending is definitely improving," O'Reilly told Sky Sports. "Every day I'm just learning and I'm grateful for that," said O'Reilly.

His contributions have also drawn praise from teammates, including former captain Ilkay Gundogan, who described O'Reilly as “humble and shy” yet highly effective.

"He's been doing amazing in recent weeks, playing in a position that isn't natural to him. He has the technical ability and the timing to arrive in the box and score important goals. I'm very glad for him," said the German international.

City's Champions League qualification hopes are now firmly in their own hands. With renewed belief, the emergence of young talent, and experienced figures rallying in the season's closing stretch, Guardiola's side appears poised for a strong finish.

Pep Guardiola praises Man City starlet Nico O'Reilly after Everton win