Pep's 1,000th party! City smash Reds

EPL title race ignites, Aston Villa on the up

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola blows a kiss to the crowd after his team's victory over Liverpool.

(REUTERS)

Manchester City laid down a clear statement of intent in Pep Guardiola's 1,000th game as a manager with a crushing 3-0 defeat of Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday.

First-half goals by Erling Haaland and Nico Gonzalez and a stunning effort by Jeremy Doku after the break crowned a superb City display against lacklustre opponents.

The result not only allowed second-placed City to slice Arsenal's lead to four points, but also showed that Guardiola’s side are fast evolving into serious title contenders again after last season’s hiatus when they were dethroned by Liverpool.

Earlier, Aston Villa thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 to move into sixth place in a tightly-packed top half in which only four points separate third-placed Chelsea and 12th-placed Brentford.