Manchester City put in an impressive display on Sunday and registered a convincing 5-0 victory over Newcastle United.
The win moves City three points clear of Liverpool in second place and means they now have a better goal difference than Jurgen Klopp’s side.
It was a first half at the Etihad that the hosts largely dominated, with early chances spurned by Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo.
But the latter turned provider in the 19th minute when he headed Ilkay Gundogan’s cross-field ball back into the path of Raheem Sterling, before the winger nodded it into the back of the net to give City the lead.
That was doubled not long before the break, when Gundogan smashed a volley towards the goal from the edge of the area. Martin Dubravka spilled the effort and it was eventually bundled over the line by Laporte.
Newcastle did have a few first-half efforts, with their best chance coming from Chris Wood’s header inside the box, although he didn’t get enough of a connection on the ball and failed to seriously test Ederson.
City continued in the ascendancy after the break, and Rodri headed in De Bruyne’s corner at the front post just before the hour mark to make it 3-0.
City also had good efforts from a Sterling cross which flicked just over, while Cancelo fired one just wide and Dubravka did well to save Oleksandr Zinchenko’s dipping effort.
As for Newcastle, their best chance came from substitute Callum Wilson, who should have done better with a one-on-one chance he hit straight at Ederson.
Phil Foden grabbed a late fourth for the hosts, when he converted from Zinchenko’s cross/shot that landed at his feet only a few yards out from goal.
In injury-time, Sterling netted his second of the game when he slotted home from a well-placed Grealish cross.
Here’s how we rated the players…
1. Ederson- 6
His only real save came to deny Wilson’s late chance, but in general it was a quiet afternoon for Ederson. The goalkeeper’s kicking was also excellent, as usual.
2. Joao Cancelo- 7
Had a really good first half advancing down the wing. Cancelo set up the opener and went close with a strike at the back post. His levels dropped a little after the break, but it was a still a good display.
3. Ruben Dias- 6 (off 46)
His withdrawal could indicate another alarming defensive injury for City, and the Portugal international put in a composed performance throughout the 90 minutes. Dias also played a part in Laporte’s first-half goal.
4. Aymeric Laporte- 7 (off 87)
Another dependable showing from one of City’s most consistent players. Laporte rarely looked troubled all afternoon against the powerful Wood and Wilson, and the defender’s goal just before half-time came at a pivotal point in the game.