LONDON: David Silva scored twice to help Premier League leaders Manchester City beat last-placed Swansea 4-0 early this morning for a 15th straight victory, a record run in England’s top flight.
Kevin De Bruyne curled in a shot from a free kick between Silva’s goals and Sergio Aguero added the fourth as City turned on the style in south Wales, ensuring there would be no drop-off three days after winning the Manchester derby.
City are setting new standards this season, having won every league game since the 1-1 draw at home to Everton on Aug. 21. This triumph took Pep Guardiola’s side’s goal tally to 52 for the season – an average of better than three a game – and they have scored three or more goals in a game on eight occasions.
City had been level on 14 straight wins with Arsenal, who achieved their run across two seasons from February to August 2002.
Silva deftly flicked home from close range, following a cross from Bernardo Silva, to give City the lead in the 27th minute. De Bruyne made it 2-0 seven minutes later when he bent in a free kick from the left wing that evaded everyone in the area and found the net.
Swansea brought on Tammy Abraham for the second half as a third striker, but that just gave City more space to attack.
The third goal was the highlight, Silva exchanging passes with Raheem Sterling before chipping goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for his second goal in the 52nd. Sergio Aguero was dangerous all night and he got his goal in the 85th when he collected a pass from substitute Yaya Toure, drove at the heart of Swansea’s defense, and shot low into the far corner from an acute angle.
Lacklustre
Meanwhile, a lacklustre Manchester United responded to their derby defeat by City with an unimpressive 1-0 win over Bournemouth at a subdued Old Trafford.
Romelu Lukaku’s ninth league goal of the season, a 25th- minute header at the back post from a Juan Mata cross, was enough to give second-placed United the win but they had keeper David De Gea to thank for the three points.
The Spanish keeper kept out efforts from Charlie Williams, Dan Gosling and Ryan Fraser and blocked a fierce strike from substitute Jermaine Defoe as Bournemouth pressed for an equaliser that would not have been undeserved.
United, who rarely found much fluency at on a rainy and cold night, remained 11 points behind City.
Serge Aurier’s first goal for Tottenham and a late effort by Son Heung-min sealed a 2-0 win for the hosts over Brighton and Hove Albion to restore their place in the top four.
West Ham United held out to secure a goalless draw at home with Arsenal.
Liverpool suffered more frustration at Anfield as they again dropped crucial home points after being held to a goalless draw by a resurgent and resilient West Bromwich Albion.