Tunnel cam: Benjamin Mendy‘s back!
The man who started the #SharkTeam craze finally returned to action against Swansea...
City emerged from the tunnel to a rousing reception and a guard of honour from the Swansea players in this, the first match since being confirmed as Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola recalled Danilo and Bernardo Silva at the expense of Kyle Walker and Leroy Sane.
Swansea, in dire need of points just above the relegation zone had to figure out whether they came and had a go at City or sat back, tried to contain and, at the very least, ensure their goal difference didn’t take a pummelling.
However, the visitors must have feared the worst as City quickly opened up a two-goal lead.
The first, on 12 minutes, came as Raheem Sterling spotted David Silva’s run into the box and his reverse pass was controlled by the Spaniard who then hit an angled volley that gave Fabianski no chance.
Within four minutes the lead was doubled as Silva threaded a pass to Fabian Delph on the left of the box and his low cross was turned in by Sterling from close range – his 23rd of the campaign.
It felt like the job had already been done, with Swansea offering little in the way of a response and City totally dominating the half.
Kevin De Bruyne sent in a fizzing low drive and Bernardo Silva saw a couple of efforts saved in what was as comfortable a half of football as the Blues have had all season.
The Blues resumed after the break looking a yard faster and seemingly looking to put the game to bed as quickly as possible.
The visitors continued to allow De Bruyne and Silva plenty of time on the ball and just nine minutes after the re-start, they paid the price.
De Bruyne picked up possession in the Swans’ half and nudged the ball forward a few feet – when it became clear he wasn’t going to be put under any pressure and with a clear sight of goal, the Belgian thought ‘why not?’ and unleashed a ferocious shot that arrowed into the to left-hand of Fabianski’s goal.
It was as good a goal as you’ll see all season from a player who has been magnificent all campaign.
As the party atmosphere cranked up a couple of notches, so City slipped through the gears and just past the hour, it was 4-0.
Sterling chased a pass into the box and as he skipped past Federico Fernandez, he was brought crashing to the turf and referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot/
It was Gabriel Jesus who stepped up to take the penalty, but Fabianski denied him with a superb save onto the inside of the post – only to see Bernardo Silva react first and tap the ball home from a few yards out. Jesus added a late goal to complete the rout.
