Manchester City thrash Newcastle to boost Premier League title hopes

Manchester City opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League after an impressive 5-0 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

It was a much-needed victory for City after their devastating midweek Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid and came a day after title rivals Liverpool were held to a home draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

Guardiola's side dominated the game against the Magpies and were two ahead at half-time thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte. Rodri, substitute Phil Foden and Sterling with his second completed the scoring after the break.

With three games left this season, it is now firmly advantage City in the title battle with a visit to Wolves next up on Wednesday, 24 hours after Liverpool's game at Aston Villa.

"We knew there'd be pressure on us today after the defeat, we bounced back perfectly," said City attacker Jack Grealish. "We've stuck together which was needed. We'll try to end the season strongly and we did that today.

"Newcastle have been brilliant since January. Today was a perfect response and a perfect performance.

"We just have to go out there and win every game. We're in the driving seat. We can't look at what's going on around us. Fingers crossed. "

City's goal difference is now four clear of Liverpool which could be vital in a title race that looks set to go to the wire. "It wasn't really spoken about but it's common sense. We want to win the league so we see it ourselves," added Grealish.

"The main thing was to get the win. You can't speak about goal difference before you've won the game."

With a chance to give themselves more breathing space, City looked vibrant from the outset. Initially Newcastle met their fire with their own