Manchester City comes within two points of English Premier League (EPL) leaders (and rivals) Manchester United after a sound thrashing of Crystal Palace on Sunday (January 17).

It was a fearsome display of football dominance as central defender John Stones, headed his first league goal for the club after a sublime cross by Kevin de Bruyne in the 26th minute.

Ilkay Gundogan curled in a delightful second 11 minutes after the interval before Stones was in the right place to fire home a loose ball with his left foot in the 68th minute.

Raheem Sterling crowned a superb second-half Citizens display with an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner late on.

The earlier 0-0 draw between leaders Manchester United and champions Liverpool was a pre-match boost for Pep Guardiola’s side and they capitalised with a fifth successive league win to move within two points of United and have a match in hand.

They have 35 points from 17 games and are ahead of Leicester City on goal difference with Liverpool fourth on 34 points.

Palace remains in 13th place on 23 from 19 matches.