manchester City 5 Aguero (32), B Silva (35), Gundogan (44), Mahrez (67, 89)

Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s “exceptional group” after his players reacted to their midweek Champions League defeat by romping to a 5-0 win at Cardiff. Guardiola was serving a UEFA touchline ban and sat in the stands on Wednesday when Lyon claimed a shock 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

But City bounced back in style with Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan all on target in the first half, before Riyad Mahrez struck twice after the break. “The managers are there when they have little doubts, to support them,” said City boss Guardiola, when asked if his return to the touchline had helped his players.

“It’s the same group, they keep reacting, an exceptional group.

“They deserve all my respect and that’s why I will always be with them.”

Cardiff survived for over half-an-hour in the rain, before Aguero, marked his 300th appearance with a crisp finish. The lead was doubled within three minutes as Leroy Sane crossed from the right and Silva’s backward header looped in at the far post.

Etheridge came to Cardiff’s rescue to deny Aguero from close range, but a minute before half-time Gundogan played a one-two with Raheem Sterling and curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Cardiff’s misery should have got worse moments later when Joe Ralls caught Gundogan high with a challenge, but referee Michael Oliver chose to show a yellow card.

Sane clipped the outside of a post with a header before Mahrez scored within six minutes of replacing Aguero. Sterling fed Gundogan and his cross was rolled home by Mahrez.

Sane and Sterling had further chances to extend the lead before Mahrez pounced on Bruno Manga’s mistake two minutes from time and score with an unerring low drive.

Cardiff ’s defeat was their heaviest during the two years Neil Warnock has been in charge. They have yet to win since their return to the top flight and are now one place off the bottom.

“It’s very difficult for us against the top teams at the minute,” said Warnock.