Johnson O.G 16', Silva 20', Nastasic 25'
Negredo 36', Yaya Toure 60', Aguero 71'
Dzeko 86'
Seven Heaven for Silva and co. in a golden performance against the Canaries.
David Silva waved his wand on Saturday afternoon in a magical performance that saw Manchester City smash seven goals past Chris Hughton's crestfallen Canaries. The overdue Etihad annihilation was an immaculate response to last weekend's lurid loss to Chelsea and signaled to the rest of the league that City's desire to recapture their title is unmistakably strong.
The blues began their rout after quarter-of-an-hour when Sergio Aguero's stab towards Ruddy's goal rather fortuitously cannoned off Bradley Johnson and lobbed the England stopper. Aguero's eighth goal of the season had been denied, but City's riveting start to the match would present the Argentine with a number of mouthwatering opportunities later in the game.
John Ruddy is lobbed by an unfortunate deflection.
Hughton's side were already paralysed by the blues blistering start and just four minutes later, David 'Merlin' Silva fashionably finished from an Aguero lay-off to leave the Etihad spellbound.
David Silva makes it 2-0 to City on the 20 minute mark.
The Canaries were finding it impossible to leave their cage and with their wings already snapped by two early City goals, Hughton's men looked a beaten side. Matija Nastasic was invited onto the score-sheet when he rose to meet a Samir Nasri corner on 25 minutes. The Serbian defender's first goal for the sky blues marked a stark contrast in fortune from last weeks blooper at Stamford Bridge and Pellegrini's side were beginning to look unstoppable.
Matija Nastasic heads in his first goal in City colours.
Despite Manchester City's destructive dominance, the visitors were playing their part in the Manchester mauling with an embarrassing show of effort and resilience. Chris Hughton's men came into the game occupying one of the three dreaded relegation spots and their desire to emerge from the pit of the Premier League looked to be absent.
A ruthless City side smelt blood and just ten minutes later, Alvaro Negredo finished off a delicious passage of play to make it 4-0. Yaya Toure's luxurious lob was cordially caressed by Sergio Aguero who played in the 'Beast' to effectively end the tie. The move may have left a packed Etihad crowd drooling, but it also signaled to the rest of the Premier League that the blues are still key players in the 2013/2014 title race.
Alvaro Negredo finishes off a fine move to make it 4-0 to the home side.
A sigh of relief was exhaled by Chris Hughton as the whistle sounded for the end of the first half. With a crucial Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow looming, pundits and fans alike expected a reduction in pace from the home side, but Pellegrini's taste for a trouncing prevailed.
The league's highest scorers refused to relax and on the 60 minute mark, Yaya Toure curled in a spectacular free kick to put the home side on five. His fourth free-kick of the campaign secured his place as the squad free-kick taker and displayed to the footballing world how versatile and how brilliant a midfielder the Ivorian really is.
Yaya Toure celebrates his spectacular free kick.
Right now, a Manchester City victory is not a true Manchester City victory without a (legitimate) Sergio Aguero goal and on seventy-one minutes, a 'true' Manchester City victory was confirmed. The league's top scorer capitalised on a woeful Sebastian Bassong clearance to volley home and net his eighth goal of the Premier League season.
Sergio Aguero celebrates his eighth goal of the season.
City hadn't seen six goals since their thrashing of Manchester United two seasons ago, but the blues weren't about to end it on six. With the Canaries well and truly down and out, Edin Dzeko got his name on the scoresheet with a smart finish to make it a record 7-0 to City.
Edin Dzeko is congratulated after netting City's seventh of the afternoon.
After last weekend's 'tragedy', a thorough thrashing back at the Etihad stadium couldn't have been more heartwarming. Although some may snigger as I sit here and write my piece with a satisfied grin, be warned...
City are back.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6The big Romanian had little to do in a game in which Norwich City only managed one shot on target. I believe he'll remain in between the sticks for at least another two weeks and his ability will be called upon later in the month.
Pablo Zabaleta 7An easy day for the Argentine who was able to put all of his effort into helping City attack.
Martin Demichelis 6.5Defensively, he was solid and had little to do. However, his distribution was poor and against better opponents, City could have been punished.
Matija Nastasic 7A stark contrast to last week's clumsy performance. Didn't allow Norwich to get near Pantilimon and scored his first goal for the Blues with a towering header.
Gael Clichy 7The Frenchman has struggled for form this season and he would have welcomed a relaxing game against Norwich. Was given the freedom to aid City's attack.
Samir Nasri 8Teased the Canaries with his trickery and weaved in and out of defenders with ease. Another top performance from the Frenchman who looks like a new signing this season.
Fernandino 7.5Allowed Nasri, Toure and Silva to shine in an under-the-radar performance. Kept City's midfield ticking throughout.
Yaya Toure 8Jogged through Norwich's midfield like it wasn't there and netted yet another stunning free kick.
David Silva 9Houdinied his way in and out of Norwich defenders like a wizard. Elegance and grace on the ball was second to none and he capped his performance off with a goal.
Sergio Aguero 8
Movement, work rate and overall commitment was exemplary. Unlucky not to bag yet another brace but it wouldn't be a City performance without at least one Aguero goal.
Alvaro Negredo 7Scored from City's best move of the day and troubled Norwich's defence with his power. Substituted early.
Substitutes
Dzeko 7 - Got on the scoresheet with a smart finish.
Navas 7 - One frightening bit of speed nearly earned him a place on the scoresheet and he was on hand to assist Dzeko.
Milner - No notable impact
