Manchester: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was gushing in his praise for Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian led a dominant display from the Premier League champions to close to within one point of second-placed Leicester with a 3-1 win at the Etihad. Brendan Rodgers's men arrived in Manchester on an 11-match unbeaten run, but were outclassed throughout despite taking the lead through Jamie Vardy. Riyad Mahrez quickly brought City level against his former club before Ilkay Gundogan's penalty and Gabriel Jesus's tap in from De Bruyne's cross helped City cut the gap on league leaders Liverpool to 11 points. "If we play like we did tonight we can compete with everyone," said Guardiola. "Kevin De Bruyne was incredible tonight - he won the game for us.

"He has always been incredible since we've been together. His commitment is incredible. He's a spectacular player." Liverpool are not in domestic action this weekend as they won the Club World Cup in Qatar, but will be happy to return home with their 10-point lead over Leicester intact ahead of their trip to the King Power on Boxing Day. On this evidence, City remain Liverpool's biggest threat to a first league title in 30 years despite the indifferent form of Guardiola's men so far this season. "The result shows how well my players have done to be where they are," said Rodgers. "It was a real good lesson for us tonight. Their quality, intensity, we certainly have no complaints about the result. "Second half we were more like ourselves but it still showed with this young group there is a long way for them to go." The hosts started brightly as the outstanding De Bruyne struck the post and Kasper Schmeichel made the first of a string of fine saves to deny Jesus after a brilliant jinking run and cut-back from Mahrez. "You see De Bruyne tonight and the level he is at, it's a world class level," added Rodgers.