Manchester City thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 ending a run of three consecutive home losses in European games thanks to a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick.
City eased into a 2-0 lead by half-time and whilst it was well deserved the manner of their second goal was farcical.
Already one goal ahead courtesy of David Silva who had the simplest of close range finishes following good work by Riyad Mahrez their Ukranian opponents whilst struggling to get into the game were at least trying to make life difficult for the home team.
Shakhtar Donetsk had lost on six of their seven trips to England and must have realised this was not going to be their night when Raheem Sterling was adjudged to have been fouled by Mykolayiv Matviiyenko, who, whilst in close attendance, did not touch the City winger who stubbed his toe whilst attempting to shoot and went to ground.
The Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Gabriel Jesus duly converted from 12 yards. The Brazilian should have doubled his tally on the half-hour but put clean through keeper Andriy Pyatov saved well.
The visitors pressed on occasions but rarely threatened as City easily kept possession and passed around them.
The second half was on only three minutes old when Sterling collected the ball and seemed determined to make amends for the embarrassing penalty he had claimed. Driving at the Shakhtar defence he unleashed a fierce curling shot from 20 yards for number three.
With the game all but over City perhaps started coasting much to the displeasure of boss Pep Guardiola who flung his arms around in frustration as his team misplaced passes and over elaborated.
Number four arrived from a penalty but this time justified as David Silva was clearly brought down by Taras Stepanenko. Jesus added to his first half effort.
Shakhtar finally tested City keeper Ederson as Yaroslav Rakitskiy left footed shot from outside the box was saved at full stretch.
But City's Mahrez added a fifth following a sweeping move in the final minutes and there was still time for Jesus to collect his hat-trick with a delicate chip in added time.
Full Time
Man City : 6 (Silva 13, Jesus pens 24 & 72, 90) Sterling 48, Mahrez 84)
ShakhtarDonetsk: 0
