Manchester City sent a statement in the Premier League title race with an emphatic 7-0 win over Leeds United while Aston Villa made it four wins from six under Steven Gerrard with a 2-0 away victory over Norwich City.

Manchester City 7-0 Leeds United

Manchester City powered four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Kevin De Bruyne inspired a 7-0 rout of Leeds just hours after clubs were given strict new measures to curb the coronavirus threat on Tuesday.

De Bruyne delivered an imperious display including two goals on his first league start since 6 November after the Belgium star recovered from a bout of Covid-19.

Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake were also on target as Pep Guardiola’s side ran riot at the Etihad Stadium.

City’s seventh successive league victory put pressure on second-placed Liverpool and third-placed Chelsea, who face Newcastle and Everton, respectively, on Thursday.

The champions’ biggest win this season equalled Liverpool’s 1982 top-flight record of 33 victories in a calendar year.

Norwich 0-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa continued their impressive start to life under Steven Gerrard with a 2-0 win over Norwich City on Tuesday evening.

Jacob Ramsey fired the visitors into the lead just after the half-hour mark. The youngster picked up the ball close to the halfway line and went on a mazy run before providing a gem of a finish with his left foot to beat Tim Krul at his front post.

Dean Smith’s men fought hard to get back into the game but a goal from Ollie Watkins six minutes before the end sealed the three points for Villa.