Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure added the pick of the goals for his side against Sunderland on Boxing Day as the hosts took a 3-0 half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium.
Watch more brilliant snippets like this with fanatix’s FREE sports video news app
Manuel Pellegrini’s men were looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Arsenal last Monday night, and they waited just 13 minutes before making an impression as Raheem Sterling broke the deadlock.
While Wilfried Bony added a third in a chaotic opening 22 minutes of the game, it was Toure’s strike which was certainly the most impressive of the three as the midfielder made it four goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
In the bigger picture, it was far too easy for the hosts as they attacked with great regularity and looked like scoring every time they broke forward.
In contrast, Sunderland looked disorganised and beaten already as Sam Allardyce will undoubtedly be desperate to get a reaction out of his players after the break in order to avoid a heavier defeat as they aim to boost their chances of avoiding relegation.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Pellegrini sends his side out with the intention of reserving their energy in what is a hectic part of the season, or if he pushes them on to inflict more damage on the visitors in what is a one-sided encounter thus far.
SEE MORE:
Sterling goal video: City winger breaks deadlock against Sunderland
Cresswell gives West Ham lead against Aston Villa
Diego Costa scores for Chelsea as Hiddink enjoys immediate reaction