Kevin De Bruyne put on a Man of the Match performance as Manchester City ended a seven-game wait for a victory against Nottingham Forest.
In a game the Premier League champions simply had to win, City opened the scoring after just seven minutes when De Bruyne's goal-bound header was swept home at close-range by Bernardo Silva.
The Belgian, who was starting his first game since September, continued to be at the heart of all things positive for Guardiola's side and picked up a goal of his own on the half-hour mark.
Still hurting from last week's late collapse against Feyenoord, there was no resting on their laurels in the second period, with Jeremy Doku netting a stylish third shortly after the restart.
And much to the delight of Pep Guardiola, there was a clean sheet to match, meaning City tasted victory for the first time since late October.
Express Sport hands out player ratings from City's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest...
Stefan Ortega - 8/10
Retaining his spot between the sticks ahead of No.1 goalkeeper Ederson, the German produced a stunning right-handed save to keep City ahead when the score was still 1-0.
Manuel Akanji - 7/10
Swept up well on the right-hand side of City's defence throughout the first-half but was hooked at the break. Guardiola will be crossing all of his fingers hoping it isn't another serious injury problem for one of his key defenders.
Ruben Dias - 7/10
Wasn't necessarily noticeable but for a City defence that has been so shaky at times in recent weeks, that was probably a good thing. His experience and leadership in the backline was crucial for the hosts.
Nathan Ake - 7/10
Operating in the centre of defence instead of left-back, the Dutch international looked like his assured self whenever called upon. Hobbled off late on with a suspected muscle injury.
Josko Gvardiol - 6/10
Another frustrating evening's work for the Croat. Could've and probably should've had two goals in the first half, while a sloppy mistake almost led to a Forest equaliser midway through the first half. Recovered well enough in the second period.
Ilkay Gundogan - 7/10
Has been much-maligned in recent weeks, but City's Treble-winning captain looked back to his pre-Barcelona transfer best against Forest. Benefitted from the extra legs around him in midfield and kept things tidy on the ball.
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Got the scoring underway in the opening 45 minutes and didn't look back from that point on. Selfless with his off-the-ball work rate and will likely be crucial to any post-crisis comeback the Manchester-based outfit are able to muster.
Kevin De Bruyne - 9/10
Silenced any doubts that might've popped up during the last few weeks with a masterclass showing from the heart of midfield. Provided the creative spark City have been missing for most of the season and was rewarded with a goal and an assist. Subbed off 70 minutes in to a standing ovation from the City faithful.
Jack Grealish - 8/10
Deployed centrally instead of out wide and added a much-needed bounce to City's midfield. Popped up with a crucial block in his own penalty area in the first half. Also helped glue to attack with the defence.
Jeremy Doku - 8/10
Lit things up off the bench against Liverpool at the weekend and was ushered into the starting XI as a result. Repaid his manager's trust with a goal and an assist, displaying the end product that has been missing from his game previously.
Erling Haaland - 6/10
An uncharacteristically quiet evening for the Norweigan striker. Was kept quiet by the Forest backline, but his movement and build-up play did help create space for his team-mates. That's now three Premier League matches without a goal though.
Kyle Walker (sub) - 6/10
Brought on at the break and didn't put a foot wrong. More minutes in the legs for the English international after a stop-start season.
Rico Lewis (sub) - 6/10
Replaced De Bruyne with 20 minutes to go. Kept things ticking over in the middle of the park.
Matheus Nunes (sub) - N/A
James McAtee (sub) - N/A
Savinho (sub) - N/A