Devastating treble to fire out a title warning

talent of Aguero. Unperturbed by the indignity and shock of that fluffed formality, he crashed one right-footed into the top corner from 25 yards, pounced left-footed on a bizarre headed backpass from Ross Barkley, and nonchalantly rolled in the 160th league goal of his City career – the new record – from the penalty spot after Cesar Azpilicueta had hacked Sterling.

Enjoy the contributions of slightly less heralded members of a scoring machine.

Players such as Bernardo Silva, whose energy is twinned with creativity and players such as Ilkay Gundogan, whose crisp strike from just outside the area put City four up after just 25 minutes.

The only surprise was that they had to wait until the second half to put more gloss on the final outcome and stretch their goal difference advantage.

The ramifications for Maurizio Sarri could be severe, but the ramifications for the title race are sumptuous.

This is going to be some run-in. The past eight days were billed as a formidable test of City’s mettle.

Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea in quick succession. The outcome? Played three, won three, scored 11, conceded one.

And if Liverpool do come out on top, it will be some achievement.

Because if you finish ahead of City, you will be finishing ahead of a fantastic team.

A fantastic team led off the pitch by a fantastic coach and led on it by a fantastic striker.

If you can, go and see them some time.