Pep Guardiola insisted Sergio Aguero's hat-trick to beat Newcastle 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium vindicated his decision to abandon plans to add another striker to his squad during the transfer window.
City had been heavily linked with Manchester United-bound Alexis Sanchez but Aguero's clinical performance against the Magpies suggested City's champions-elect have no great need to add to their attacking riches.
Aguero glanced home Kevin De Bruyne's cross to give his side a slender half-time advantage before adding his second from the penalty spot.
Jacob Murphy reduced the deficit for the visitors before Aguero restored City's 12-point lead at the top of the table when he slotted home after a dazzling piece of work from Leroy Sane.