Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia continued with a 6-1 win over Kitchee at the Hong Kong Stadium.

It was a comfortable victory for the reigning Premier League champions, who, at times, carved the hosts open with ease in a game we controlled throughout.

Pep Guardiola named a strong starting XI, with Leroy Sane’s brace and one apiece from David Silva and Raheem Sterling paving the way for late goals from youngsters, Nabil Touaizi and Iker Pozo.

What happened

City were much sharper than in our two previous tour matches, moving the ball quickly in the early stages, despite the heat and humidity inside the Hong Kong Stadium.

Sterling hit the bar with a first-time effort from close range, moments before Kevin De Bruyne‘s 25-yard free-kick was pushed around the post by Kitchee ‘keeper Guo Jianqiao.

It was constant City pressure and we were soon ahead.

A beautifully constructed move saw Sterling find Silva inside the area, and the Spaniard produced an impudent chip over Jianqiao. His second goal of the tour and both have showcased his undying quality.

Then it was the other Silva’s turn, as Bernardo had a hat-trick of chances in quick succession.

The first was parried wide by Jianqiao, the second saw him blast over the bar from a good position and his third was hacked off the line with the ‘keeper beaten.

Further goals were inevitable and Sane doubled our lead with a powerful low drive before Sterling made it 3-0 with a bending effort into the far corner to put us in a commanding position at the break.

Kitchee almost scored soon after the restart but Manuel Rodriguez’s chip landed on the roof of the net.

Normal order was soon restored, though.

De Bruyne’s effort was saved – but Peng could only parry it to Sane. He checked back and finished with aplomb. 4-0 and no sign of City easing up.

A raft of substitutions saw the visitors lose some rhythm, but our control of the game never dipped.

Touaizi, on in the second half, made it 5-0 with a superb finish from 18 yards out, before Tommy Doyle’s strike from distance was palmed away brilliantly as it veered towards the top corner.

The scoring wasn’t complete, however.

A counter-attack saw the hosts grab a consolation with a close range finish before Pozo reacted quickest to tap home from six-yards after the ‘keeper pushed Bernabe’s effort into his path.

Moment of the Match

Silva’s chipped finish. The man possesses extreme ability.

Special mention, too, for Kim Dongjin, who played the first 15 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation.

After a 20-year professional career, he has retired. Every City player congratulated him and Guardiola handed him a shirt as he came off. A genuinely touching moment for the 37-year-old.

Man of the Match

David Silva. A magician and an artist. He may have only played for 45 minutes, but his contribution was outstanding.

Knitted City’s play together and provided moments of real quality. His ability to find a killer ball remains very much intact.

He may be 33 but don’t expect his significance to decrease this season. He looks fit and raring to go after an extended summer break. A joy to watch.

What’s next?

The squad depart Hong Kong on Thursday and travel to Japan where our preseason preparations will continue.

A series of training sessions are planned ahead of Saturday’s game against fellow City Football Group side Yokohama F. Marinos, the final match of our Asia Tour.

It’s then back to the CFA where Guardiola and his backroom staff will step up preparations for the Community Shield game against Liverpool at Wembley.