Manchester City turned on the style with an magnificent seven-goal display as Pep Guardiola's side marched clear at the top of the Premier League.

Kevin De Bruyne, making his 100 appearance for City, ran the show, playing a part in four of City's first six goals, as Guardiola's side moved back ahead of local rivals Manchester United.

The win equalled City's best start to a top-flight campaign, winning seven games and drawing one, a feat they last achieved in 2011-12, when they went on to claim their first Premier League title.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 17 minute, finishing off a cleverly-worked move involving De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, the latter cutting the ball back for the Brazilian striker to apply an assured finish.

Raheem Sterling made it 2-0 a couple of minutes later, following another sparkling move from City that even had boss Guardiola applauding with his hands held above his head.

De Bruyne executed a majestic reverse pass to Leroy Sane, who in turn found Sterling, the England winger ensuring he found the net to round off a quite stunning goal.

Jesus made his mark on Stoke (
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Sterling turned provider in the 27 minute, laying a Sane pass into the path of David Silva, who steered the ball beyond the reach of England goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Stoke gave themselves hope of a comeback with two goals either side of half-time, both defelected strikes involving Mame Diouf.

The first went in off Fabian Delph, the second via Kyle Walker, who was unable to prevent Diouf's header from spinning into his own net.

But City put the game to bed with three goals in quick succession, De Bruyne assisting for Jesus and Sane, either side of a 25-yard piledriver from Fernandinho.

Raheem Sterling also impressed (
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De Bruyne's angled pass for City's sixth goal was a joy to behold, taking out four Stoke players with his vision and execution, with Sane providing a fitting end to such a magnificent assist.

Substitute Bernardo Silva plundered City's seventh goal in the 79 minute, as Guardiola's side eyed double figures, which would have been a Premier League record.

As it was, they had to settle for a magnificent seven.

Re-cap the match as it happened below...

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Manchester City's Leroy Sane in action with Stoke City's Kurt Zouma (
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He's back!

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Manchester City FC)

Welcome

Sergio Aguero could be in contention for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Stoke at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Argentina striker has recovered well after breaking a rib in a road accident a fortnight ago and, after returning to light training this week, could have a chance of featuring.

Captain Vincent Kompany is still out with a calf injury but City have no fresh injuries following the international break. Left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) is a long-term casualty.

Stoke will be without midfielder Joe Allen when they visit Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The Welshman suffered concussion after taking a blow to the head while on international duty this week and will be missing along with defensive duo Ryan

Shawcross (back) and Bruno Martins Indi (groin).

Jese Rodriguez, who missed the win over Southampton before the international break due to compassionate reasons, will return to the squad but Stephen

Ireland is continuing his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered in May 201