Manchester City refused to blink in their battle of wills with Liverpool as goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane sent them back to the top of the Premier League following a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cardiff at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne put the hosts in control early on with a fine left-footed finish before Leroy Sane doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time.
In reality, City did not have to get out of first gear as they breezed to victory and regained pole position in the title race.
With no doubt tougher games to come between now and the end of the season, Pep Guardiola made seven changes to the starting 11 who beat Fulham by the same scoreline at the weekend.
Among the changes, Gabriel Jesus came in for the injured Sergio Aguero and nearly gave City the lead inside 60 seconds but failed to connect with Kevin de Bruyne’s drilled low ball across the six yard box.
Guardiola’s side didn’t have to wait too long for their opener,
