Manchester City surged four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a thumping 7-0 victory over a demoralised Leeds United at the Eithad Stadium.
Phil Foden got the ball rolling when he chalked up City’s 500th league goal under Pep Guardiola on eight minutes before Jack Grealish netted his first league goal since August with a fine header.
Leeds struggled for an outlet throughout and City all-but sealed the points just past the half hour when Kevin De Bruyne marked his first league start since early November with a clinical finish from Rodri’s pass.
The hosts did not let up following the interval and Riyad Mahrez made it four when his shot took a wicked deflection off Junior Firpo.
Leeds showed some belated signs of resistance but De Bruyne hammered in a scorching fifth just past the hour to leave the visitors fearing the worst.
John Stones then lashed home a sixth and substitute Nathan Ake nodded in a corner as the champions ran riot.
The result sees City equal Liverpool’s top-flight record of 33 wins (set in 1982) in a calendar year and most significantly, moves them four points ahead of the Merseysiders at the summit having played a game more.
Next up, 16th-placed Leeds host Arsenal on Saturday while City visit Newcastle on Sunday.
City gear up for busy schedule in style. This was vintage City and a real advert for the attacking talent they have at their disposal. Was it a statement of title intent as we head towards an onslaught of festive fixtures? Perhaps, but maybe it was more about enjoying some revenge.
Leeds frustrated Pep and his players in the two league games last season, but that was never on the cards here and the fact they never let up even when the match was won said much about the desire in this group. City continue to look strong and once again belied talk about the lack of a recognised, world class striker to give their goal difference a very healthy bump in the right direction.
As for Leeds, they need to get Kalvin Phillips back ASAP and put this painful defeat to one side. They are missing some key players at present and will be nervously looking over their shoulders as some of their rivals in the bottom half have played fewer games.