The headlines were again dominated by Erling Haaland, with our Norwegian centre forward claiming a second successive hat-trick, to take his tally of goals for the season to nine.
But it was also a significant evening for fellow striker Alvarez too.
Handed his first league start, the Argentine capped a fine all- round performance by despatching two fine second half finishes.
And for former City legends Dickov and Wright-Phillips, who were our Matchday Live guests on Wednesday, it augurs well looking to the future.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
“They were so well taken (goals). But it’s the desire to win the ball back. To have the composure after the amount of running to slot it home is amazing,” declared Wright-Phillips.
“His second goal was so Kun-esque. The way he takes his first touch then almost one motion bang. It flew in. No goalkeeper saves that in my opinion.
“He just knows where the goal is and he smashes it into the net. Clearly the players accept him and love him - he’s settled right in.”
That encouraging verdict was echoed by Dickov, who as a fine former forward himself, especially appreciated Alvarez’s quality and movement up front allied to his tactical adaptability.
“Julian played two positions and that’s what I loved about him on Wednesday,” asserted the former City and Scotland front man.
“One touch passing, bringing others into the game, and then as soon as he went up front, he was running the channels.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
“The two finishes there were finishes we saw from him before he came to the club. It shows you that for a young boy, how grown up he is.
“His second goal showed that he’s that confident in his ability he doesn’t need to look up at the goal.
“He said he spoke to Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Nicolas Otamendi to get a feel of the club and he’s settled in so well.”
