Romantics looking for a shock at the Etihad Stadium were left disappointed as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win against second tier Birmingham.
Pep Guardiola made four changes from the team that beat Manchester United in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Bernardo Silva was one of those who came in and he opened the scoring with a superb half-volley after eight minutes.
Silva struck again with a close-range finish in the 15th minute and Phil Foden got the third in the 33rd minute.
It was a relatively comfortable afternoon and could have got another Gabriel Jesus saw his chip cleared by the defender as it was heading in.
Mahrez thought he'd made it four in the 60th minute but was ruled out for offside.
January 10, 2021