Sergio Aguero equalled Manchester City’s all-time goal scoring record from the penalty spot as Pep Guardiola’s side chalked up their 11th consecutive victory in all competitions.
Aguero, playing for the first time since a car accident in Amsterdam three weeks ago, beat Nick Pope from the penalty spot after half-an-hour for his 177th goal for the club to draw level with 1930s star Eric Brook.
Nicolas Otamendi and Leroy Sane then eventually wrapped up the points in the second half but for long periods this was stuttering rather than scintillating City as they moved five points clear at the top of the table.