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…
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.
5. Oleksandr Zinchenko- 7
Continued his impressive recent form at left-back, but pushed inside to give City more options in the middle. The No.11 also drove forward and put in a great first-half cross which was nearly converted by Gabriel Jesus.
6. Rodri- 7
As always, the Spaniard performed an underrated role at the base of midfield and kept the ball ticking over, while snuffing out several Newcastle attacks in their infancy. His header also removed any hopes of an upset for the visitors.
7. Ilkay Gundogan- 8
Was excellent in the centre for Pep Guardiola’s side. The 31-year-old played a part in City’s first two goals and rarely misplaced a pass all afternoon.
8. Kevin De Bruyne- 8
Another sublime display from City’s midfield conductor. The Belgian continuously drove City forward with his penetrating dribbles and defence-splitting passing. De Bruyne also moved the ball quickly and helped knit things together. It was another man of the match showing from the No.17.