Picture Special

Gallery: City hit cruise control

Manchester City regained top spot in the Premier League as Pep Guardiola’s side comfortably overcame the challenge of Cardiff City with a 2-0 win at the Etihad.

The reigning champions had got off to a flying start thanks to a stunning early strike from Kevin De Bruyne, who lit up the Blues all night and lashed the ball home from an acute angle.

City then doubled our lead on the stroke of half-time with another well-crafted goal, this time from Leroy Sane who drilled in a low shot via a slight deflection after a sublime chest down from Gabriel Jesus.

It was an eighth successive Premier League triumph for Guardiola’s side and the margin of victory could have been far greater with Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge making a series of fine saves.

View the best images from the game in the gallery below…

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HATS THE WAY TO DO IT : The fans greet Fernandinho and David Silva as City arrive at the Etihad

HATS THE WAY TO DO IT : The fans greet Fernandinho and David Silva as City arrive at the Etihad
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SPECIAL TRIBUTE : Before kick-off both teams and the Etihad fans held a minute's applause in honour of former Life President and Club Secretary Bernard Halford, who passed away last week

SPECIAL TRIBUTE : Before kick-off both teams and the Etihad fans held a minute's applause in honour of former Life President and Club Secretary Bernard Halford, who passed away last week
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WING COMMAND : Leroy Sane takes control of the ball

WING COMMAND : Leroy Sane takes control of the ball
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STUNNER : Kevin De Bruyne rifles home City's superb opening goal

STUNNER : Kevin De Bruyne rifles home City's superb opening goal
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GOLDEN GLOW : KDB and Gabriel Jesus celebrate after the Belgian's fantastic opener

GOLDEN GLOW : KDB and Gabriel Jesus celebrate after the Belgian's fantastic opener
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CELEBRATION TIME : Kevin De Briuyne is mobbed by his City team-mates after his incredible opener

CELEBRATION TIME : Kevin De Briuyne is mobbed by his City team-mates after his incredible opener
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NIGHT TO REMEMBER : Phil Foden was handed his first Premier League start against the Bluebirds

NIGHT TO REMEMBER : Phil Foden was handed his first Premier League start against the Bluebirds
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PEP TALK : The boss hands out instructions after the early injury to Oleks Zinchenko which saw Kyle Walker come on in his place

PEP TALK : The boss hands out instructions after the early injury to Oleks Zinchenko which saw Kyle Walker come on in his place
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DOUBLE DELIGHT : Leroy Sane cracks home our second goal on the stroke of half-time

DOUBLE DELIGHT : Leroy Sane cracks home our second goal on the stroke of half-time
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LE-THAL : Leroy Sane is all smiles after doubling City's lead with a cracking finish

LE-THAL : Leroy Sane is all smiles after doubling City's lead with a cracking finish
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NO ENTRY : Riyad Mahrez comes up against a Cardiff road block

NO ENTRY : Riyad Mahrez comes up against a Cardiff road block
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SO CLOSE : Phil Foden is denied by Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge

SO CLOSE : Phil Foden is denied by Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge