Manchester City powered six points clear at the top of the Premier League after quashing Leicester's comeback bid in a pulsating 6-3 win on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's rampant side scored four times in the opening 25 minutes of a Christmas cracker at the Etihad Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne struck first before Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty.

Ilkay Gundogan bagged City's third and Raheem Sterling scored a penalty of his own.

James Maddison, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho all netted for Leicester in the space of just 10 minutes early in the second half.

But Aymeric Laporte killed off the visitors' hopes of an incredible escape act by heading City's fifth goal before Sterling scored again in the final minutes.

It was the highest scoring match in the top-flight on Boxing Day since Manchester United won 6-3 against Oldham in 1991.

With second placed Liverpool's match against Leeds on Sunday postponed due to the coronavirus, City were able to extend their lead over their main title rivals.

Guardiola's champions have won nine successive league games, scoring 17 goals in their last three matches as they end 2021 in scintillating style.

City's 4-0 win against Newcastle last weekend made them the first top-flight team to win 34 league games in a calendar year, beating Liverpool's 1982 record.

A 36th league victory at Brentford on Wednesday would send City into the new year firmly cemented as title favourites.

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were again among the substitutes after irking Guardiola with their off-field antics, while Rodri, John Stones and Kyle Walker were absent from the matchday squad altogether.

Guardiola's rotation worked perfectly as City made a blistering start, taking the lead in the fifth minute.