'Biggest home league win of the season came when they really needed it'

Omar Marmoush grasped the match ball tightly, with a huge smile on his face, and looked up to the stands of fans cheering at full-time.

After going goalless for the first four games at his new club, he came alive on Saturday. He was allowed to flourish with a much sharper-looking City attack.

Savihno and Phil Foden were central to so much, Erling Haaland unselfish and celebratory with Marmoush.

After looking fragile in midweek, City were pragmatic when needed.

Ederson and Josko Gvardiol hit several long balls, all eliminating midfield and relieving pressure points at times.

Another January signing, Nico Gonzalez, made his first start and was right among it from the start, paired with the experience of Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.

John Stones in central defence brought support and confidence to Abdukodir Khusanov alongside him.

City's biggest home league win of the season came at a time when they really needed it.

They now have something to point to when looking for a showing in Madrid.