Manchester City’s star-studded attack was simply too good for Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday, with the Citizens putting five past Roy Hodgson’s strugglers.
The visitors were looking for their first points and first goal of the new season, and they started well, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek seeing his effort deflected onto the City post.
However, just before the break, the hosts made the breakthrough, with the excellent Leroy Sane lifting the ball over Scott Dann before firing home.
you beautiful man @LeroySane19 pic.twitter.com/lZU8V9unOy
— mike (@miikeface) September 23, 2017
Soon after the re-start, the Eagles found themselves 2-0 down when Raheem Sterling converted a superb Sane cross.
Sterling netted his second of the game eight minutes later to end the contest.
Sergio Aguero moved to within one goal of equaling Eric Brook’s Man City scoring record when he nodded home his 176th for the Citizens from another Sane assist.
Late on, sub Fabien Delph got in on the act to make it 5-0 to Pep Guardiola’s potent side, courtesy of a stunning strike.
The win sees City go top on goal difference, ahead of rivals Manchester United.
As for Palace, they become the first team in English league history to start a season with no goals or points in their first six games.
Hodgson has much work to do, although his charges’ decent showing in the first-half will give him some cause for hope.