Premier League leaders Manchester City piled up a healthy five-point lead on Saturday, as the Citizens eased past Burnley 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola rested the in-form duo of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus but the Sky Blues showcased their immense depth with a routine home win, taking advantage of rivals Manchester United loss at Huddersfield Town to give themselves some breathing space at the summit.
Bernardo Silva, in the starting XI for Sterling, was brought down inside the box and referee Roger East pointed to the spot despite protests from the away side. Sergio Aguero stepped up and converted the resulting spot-kick to give the Citizens the lead on the half-hour mark.
It was a landmark strike for the Argentine hitman, as he tied Eric Brook at the top of the all-time scoring charts for the Manchester club.
Burnley, who have been impressive on the road this season, didn’t fall apart after conceding and tried to hit their illustrious opponents on the counter but City’s defence held firm and the half-time whistle sounded with the hosts holding a slender lead.
City were content with controlling possession and their patience paid dividends late in the second-half as a two-minute spell saw them score twice and put the result of the tie beyond a doubt.
Centre-back Nicolas Otamendi doubled their advantage with a powerful header in the 73rd minute and winger Leroy Sane would then add a third in the 75th to ensure City’s eighth win in nine Premier League games this season.
With the win, the Citizens have 25 points, five clear of second-placed Manchester United and seven of third-ranked Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game less.
Meanwhile, Burnley slip to ninth in the league table with 13 points from nine games but can take heart from their display on Saturday as losing to this City side is nothing to be ashamed of.