Premier League champions, Manchester City, were back to their best as they blew away Cardiff with a ruthless display of attacking football.

The midweek disappointment against Lyon was quickly forgotten as the Welsh side were brushed aside in a confident manner.

First-half goals from Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan left the home side reeling on the ropes and a brace from substitute Riyad Mahrez after the break completed the 5-0 win.

Man City looked for the early goal, but the hosts restricted the champions in the opening half-hour. But City were rewarded with a fine team goal on 32 minutes when Gundogan played the ball across the box to Bernardo and his simple sideways pass was struck home by the Aguero from 10 yards out.

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City continued slicing through the Cardiff defence at will and within three minutes, the lead was doubled as a short corner routine ended with Leroy Sane’s cross flicked on by Bernardo and over the keeper into the far corner in the process.

Gundogan added a third after he collected the ball outside the box, played a neat one-two with Sterling before side-footing a shot from 18 yards into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Midway through the second period, a fine pass from Sterling who spotted Gundogan’s run on the left and the German’s low cross was stroked home by Mahrez.

City begin the defence of the Carabao Cup with a trip to League One side Oxford United.

The match will be played at a sold-out Kassam Stadium, starting at 7.45pm on Tuesday evening.

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Then it’s back to the Etihad next Saturday and a Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.