Kevin De Bruyne struck twice, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet as the champions devoured Leeds United 7-0.

In a tight title race, the flurry of goals moved City within two of Liverpool's goal difference of plus-33.

"We didn't score as many goals this season but today was a good run to be close to Liverpool and Chelsea," manager Pep Guardiola said.

City have a four-point lead over 2020 champions Liverpool, who play Newcastle United on Thursday, while third-placed Chelsea, a point further back, host Everton.

The seven-goal defeat equalled the worst losing margin in the history of Leeds, to leave Marcelo Bielsa's team five points above the relegation zone.

Bielsa had no excuses for the defeat, the first time in his 568-match managerial career his side has conceded seven goals.

"There is nothing positive to take away from our performance. I can't find anything that can be valued," Bielsa told BT Sport.

"As is natural in these cases, it is not the individuals that fail but the organisation."

Guardiola had warned that Leeds' high-tempo style would need to be countered and City did this by tearing into the visitors from the outset - and led 3-0 at the break.

City have now surpassed the 500-goal mark in the Premier League in 207 games under their Spanish boss - eclipsing the previous fastest mark of 234 games by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Delighted by the "brilliant" performance of his players, Guardiola reserved special praise for De Bruyne.

"He's phenomenal. We need him. He's so important for us," he said.

With four wins now in six games as manager, Steven Gerrard is transforming Aston Villa's fortunes.

The former Liverpool captain's latest success was getting the better of the manager he replaced at Villa last month as Dean Smith's new team, Norwich City, were beaten 2-0.

Jacob Ramsey played a one-two with Ollie Watkins by the half-way line and ran at the defence before firing the ball past goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 34th minute at Carrow Road.

The second came in the 87th when 18-year-old substitute Carney Chukwuemeka got away down the left and squared for Watkins to tap home.

While Norwich are last and among the favourites for the drop,, Villa are up to ninth after their resurgence under Gerrard.

Australian Associated Press