Bristol City’s 12-game unbeate run came to an end as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Ashton Gate.
Phil Foden scored in both halves and Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne inflicted further damage in a heavy loss for the Robins, but a performance in which they can take pride from ahead of their Severnside Derby clash with Cardiff CIty.
Kalvin Phillips sent a warning sign to CIty in the first minute as Riyad Mahrez laced a ball to the England international who laced a shot on to the bar. The hosts had their own chance as Sam Bell’s curled shot deflected just wide after Rico Lewis had slipped.
The Premier League champions flexed their superiority early on as they broke the deadlock through Foden. De Bruyne returned the ball back to Mahrez and he picked out Foden at the far post to lash home.
A 469-day wait for a penalty was ended a fortnight ago against Sunderland, and had one against Hull but Andre Marriner didn’t seem to think Mark Sykes or Sam Bell were fouled in the box, much to the frustration of the home side. Alex Scott did get a shot on target at Stean Ortega, but it didn’t trouble him.
In the second-half, the hosts had their moments with Bell’s shot going just wide of the target from Andi Weimann’s cross. Foden made them rue their missed chance as he doubled the Citizens lead. A well-worked move saw Foden picked out in a similar position to his first and Zak Vyner’s block deflected home.
Any fightback was put to bed when De Bruyne scored a goal worthy of the admission fee alone. Substitute Jack Grealish laid the ball off to the superstar and he let fly with a sublime effort.
1. Max O’Leary - 6
He could do nothing about De Bruyne’s wonder strike. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
2. George Tanner (subbed off, Andi Weimann 46) - 6
Man City’s opener came on Tanner’s side with Foden unmarked and able to strike. Brought off at half-time Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
3. Zak Vyner - 6
It’s maybe one for the dubious goal panel, but Vyner won’t want an own goal credited to him. He tried to block Foden’s second goal but only helped direct it past O’Leary. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
4. Tomas Kalas - 8
Solid. An absolute machine. Superb blocks on both De Bruyne and Mahrez in the first-half and pressed high, which was part of the hosts’ game plan. Unfortunate to be on such a deficit. Photo: AFP via Getty Images