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…

9. Raheem Sterling- 8
Played well from the right-hand side. Sterling gave Matt Targett plenty of problems with his direct dribbling and whipped crosses. The former Liverpool man also dropped deep on a few occasions and played through balls in behind the Newcastle backline.

10. Gabriel Jesus- 5 (off 63)
Not quite as impressive as Jesus’ performances have been in recent weeks, but the attacker was heavily involved in City’s attacking movements. The No.9 also worked tirelessly up front, but was replaced just after the hour mark.

11. Jack Grealish- 8
Linked well with De Bruyne and Zinchenko from the left and had some dangerous dribbles. Grealish won several free-kicks and had a good afternoon.

12. Fernandinho- 7 (on 46)
Didn’t look perturbed playing at centre-back, and put in a really solid display. Fernandino’s passing was particularly impressive.


