Manchester City thrashed Stoke 7-2 for the biggest win of the English Premier League season as the goals dried up for title rival Manchester United in another dull stalemate with Liverpool on Saturday. Chelsea faced their set of blues by suffering a defeat to the hands of Crystal Palace, who broke their goalless and winless streak against the League's defending champions. Let that sink in for a moment. There was finally something to celebrate for Palace, which upset Chelsea 2-1 to register its first points and goals of the season.
With Chelsea losing for the second straight game, third-placed Tottenham leads the chase to the Manchester clubs after beating Bournemouth 1-0 for a first league win at its temporary home of Wembley Stadium in four attempts.
On a day when United manager Jose Mourinho's caution returned in securing a 0-0 at Anfield, his counterpart at City, Pep Guardiola oversaw an attacking masterclass by his team, which has scored 29 goals in eight games.
City took the outright lead for the first time this season, with Gabriel Jesus scoring twice and Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva also netting.
Guardiola's side has at least five goals in its last three home games and is setting new standards in attacking play.
City didn't even need top scorer Sergio Aguero, who stayed on the bench on his return to the squad after sustaining a broken rib in a car crash.
United had a much harder test against traditionally its biggest rival and left satisfied with a point after another defensive display at Anfield. Twelve months ago, United delivered a similar containing job at the same stadium and eked out a goalless draw.
(With AP Inputs).
