On a dismal day for Chelsea and Arsenal, manager Pep Guardiola could not hide his joy as his team Manchester City walloped Stoke 7-2 to open up a two-point lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL).

Guardiola described City’s performance against Stoke as the finest since he became manager of the team.

Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was sensational, providing two assists and one of the passes of the season that led to the second goal as Guardiola’s men returned from the international break to treat the home support to a stunning performance.

“I am happy for the victory. We had to focus after the international break to start well,” said the Spaniard, who joined the Citizens at the start of the 2016-17 campaign.

“We didn’t lose easy balls. We play fast and simple. That’s why I am very pleased. It is the best performance since I came here.”

Stoke boss Mark Hughes added: “They were quicker, stronger and anticipated things far quicker than us, and in the end we had no answers to the questions they posed to us.”

City scored three times in the first period and had 83.5 percent of the possession in what was arguably the most one-sided Premier League half this season.

Elsewhere, a cautious Manchester United frustrated hosts Liverpool as a lacklustre North West EPL derby ended 0-0 with neither side able to find the creative touch.

Chelsea and Arsenal lost their games respectively as Wilfried Zaha scored the winner in Crystal Palace 2-1 defeat of champions Chelsea to pick up their first goal and first victory of the Premier League season.

Palace had lost all seven of their previous games – including three under new boss Roy Hodgson.

It was also a surprise as Watford came from behind to run away with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Tom Cleverley struck in stoppage time to give Watford the 2-1 win, their first home victory over the Gunners in 30 years.

Per Mertesacker gave Arsenal the lead on 39 minutes, heading in Granit Xhaka’s corner for his first goal in 1,400 days.

Watford raised the pressure after the break and less than a minute after Heurelho Gomes had saved from Mesut Ozil, Watford had a penalty.

In other matches, Swansea thrashed Huddersfield 2-0, while Tottenham beat Bournemouth 1-0. (NAN)

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