De Bruyne leads a stroll as City net their 28th goal in six outings

IT WAS an afternoon that lent credence to the argument that the FA Cup should be seeded at this stage — sending Manchester City to test their skills at Barnet or Accrington, rather than entertain a Burnley side who, frankly, could have done without the trouble.

When half-time came, the loudest cheer had been for the officials who took several minutes more than they might have done trying to replace a snapped corner flag. It was the only event which took this game remotely into the realms of the unexpected.

City have an aggregate score of 28-0 in the last six matches and have regained the form which preceded their December blip.

‘We’ll see what happens in the next four, five, six games and see if we can catch them,’ said Guardiola of Premier League leaders Liverpool, last night.

City’s capacity to do so while challenging for three other trophies, is not in the remotest doubt. The depth of their squad is by far the greater of the two title challengers and this was a match which demonstrated it, with Kevin De Bruyne, this game’s outstanding presence.

There was also divinity in the pass with which led top Jesus opening the scoring on 23 minutes.

Bernardo Silva struck a second early in the second half with a shot which Pope could only deflect into the net.

De Bruyne put a gloss on the occasion with the afternoon’s outstanding passing exhibition — a 16touch move starting with keeper Ederson which concluded with the Belgian’s finish.

Burnley helped City to their fourth. De Bruyne was allowed a criminal amount of space and delivered a hard, low cross which deflected in off Long’s knee.

Other clubs would have brought on the secondtier players from such a position but City sent was Sergio Aguero racing into proceedings with Phil Foden.

It was Aguero who converted the penalty to make it five after Kevin Long had manhandled David Silva to prevent him reaching a ball Pope was slow to collect.