Manchester City cruised past Crystal Palace with a 4-0 result at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Sergio Aguero scored twice and provided an assist as Manuel Pellegrini's City dominated proceedings to go within a point of top spot on the Premier League table.
The opener came in the 22nd minute when Fabian Delph let fly from long range with a left-footed effort to score his second goal for the club before Aguero doubled the advantage late in the first half with a deflected effort the wrong-footed Wayne Hennessey.
The Argentine then grabbed a second when tapping home Kevin De Briuyne's pinpoint pass in the 68th minute before he later advanced from midfield before squirming up for David Silva to take a touch and fire home at the death.
It was a strong display from City which saw them stay in third position on while Alan Pardew's Palace dropped to eighth with a third loss on the trot.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Manchester City: 4 (Fabian Delph 22', Sergio Aguero 41'/68', David Silva 84')
Crystal Palace: 0
Etihad Stadium, Manchester - 53,983
TALKING POINTS
- City starting to make a compelling argument for title favouritism. Pellegrini has a strong squad at his disposal and they are certain to be in the mix come season's end.
- Palace in a bad patch having not won in the league for five games. How does Pardew arrest this slide?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Man City are next up against West Ham on Saturday as Palace prepare to welcome local rivals Tottenham to Selhurst Park.
TWITTER INSIGHT
We did a good job and the three points stayed home. Thank you all for the outpouring of support on the field and the messages. C'mon, City!
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 16, 2016Great performance today comeoncity
— Kelechi Iheanacho (@67Kelechi) January 16, 2016QUOTES: @ConnorWickham10 reflects on #CPFC's away defeat to @MCFC - https://t.co/Mg8VqK5UUzpic.twitter.com/Yi476xJWlS
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) January 17, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Man City's Pellegrini on such a comfortable win despite changing hie lineup:
"It was very important to win, having made five changes. We have to play so many games in January and it is very important to have the whole squad involved in what we are doing if we are to remain a competitive team in all of the competitions."
Palace boss Pardew on the result:
"That was not a bad performance from us. The goals changed the complexion of the game and the result doesn't reflect what went on the pitch."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
25 - Sergio Aguero has now scored against 25 of the 28 different opponents that he's faced in the Premier League. Ratio.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 16, 201611 - Manchester City have scored a league-high 11 goals from outside the box this season, including both of their goals today. Arrow.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 16, 2016200 - @pablo_zabaleta became against Crystal Palace the 6th South American player with 200 EPL games. Model pic.twitter.com/oZ0FAFE07Q
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) January 16, 2016