MANCHESTER City went above Liverpool into third place in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from David Silva, captain Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi helped the Citizens overtake Liverpool.

City opened up a four-point gap over local rival Manchester United in the race for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Palace still can’t ignore the threat of relegation, as the side sits just six points above the relegation zone.

The hosts started with Gabriel Jesus up top, with Sergio Aguero ruled out with a groin problem.

The bigger surprise in the Palace lineup was the decision to play left-sided wide man Jeffrey Schlupp as a makeshift center-back. It certainly represented a gamble against City’s plethora of attacking talent.

City was in front in less than two minutes when the imperious Silva stroked home from close range after a slick exchange of passes.

Silva’s perceptive movement and deft touches had Palace chasing shadows for much of the opening exchanges. Another smart pull-back from the playmaker was hurriedly cleared as the visitors struggled to cope defensively.

City kept the pressure on after the early goal, with a quick exchange of passes and positional rotations pinning Palace deep. (SD-Agencies)