Manchester City powered four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Kevin De Bruyne inspired a 7-0 rout of&nbsp;Leeds&nbsp;just hours after clubs were given strict new measures to curb the threat of the coronavirus on Tuesday.

De Bruyne delivered an imperious display including two goals on his first league start since November 6 after the Belgian star recovered from a bout of Covid-19.

Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake were also on target as Pep Guardiola's side ran riot at the Etihad Stadium.

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8' ⚽️ Foden 
13' ⚽️ Grealish 
32' ⚽️ KDB 
49' ⚽️ Mahrez 
62' ⚽️ KDB 
74' ⚽️ Stones 
78' ⚽️ Ake<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/1pPDeL0mPg">pic.twitter.com/1pPDeL0mPg</a>
— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1470920387454242824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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City's seventh successive league victory put pressure on second placed Liverpool and third placed Chelsea, who face Newcastle and Everton respectively on Thursday.

The champions' biggest win this season equalled Liverpool's 1982 top-flight record of 33 victories in a calendar year.

"We're proud of the way we're playing. When you get these results it is because individually they are brilliant," Guardiola said.&nbsp;

"Kevin, in these type of games when it is open up and down, is devastating as he can do what he wants. He's so important for us."

It was the joint biggest league defeat in&nbsp;Leeds' history and shell-shocked boss Marcelo Bielsa said: "We've never had a performance like this. There is no justification. I have to take responsibility."

City took the lead in the eighth minute when Foden's shot was deflected in via Stuart Dallas's miscued attempt to clear off the line.

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It was City's 500th Premier League goal in 207 matches under Guardiola, setting a new record that surpassed the previous fastest mark by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Grealish had managed just two goals for City since his British record £100 million ($132 million) transfer from Aston Villa.

In the 13th minute, the 26-year-old headed in Mahrez's cross to score for the first time since September.

De Bruyne marked his return with his first goal since October, converting Rodri's defence-splitting pass in the 32nd minute.

Mahrez added City's fourth in the 49th minute when his strike deflected in off Junior Firpo.

De Bruyne made it five in the 62nd minute with a thunderous 20-yard drive into the roof of the net.

Stones blasted home in the 74th minute and Ake headed City's seventh four minutes later.&nbsp;

'Tough few days'&nbsp;

Whether City's determined title defence survives without a brush with Covid remains to be seen as the new Omicron strain wrecks havoc.

The Premier League announced on Monday there had been 42 positive Covid cases among top-flight players and staff last week -- the most recorded in any seven-day period since testing began during the 2019-20 season.

Manchester United's match at Brentford on Tuesday and Tottenham's trip to Brighton last Sunday were both postponed due to virus outbreaks.

United and Tottenham had several unnamed players test positive, while Brighton, Leicester, Norwich and Aston Villa were also hit by the virus over the last week.

Now all top-flight players and staff will have to take a lateral flow test every time they enter their club's training ground as part of the protocols.

Twice-weekly PCR testing will also be introduced after a meeting of the 20 clubs on Tuesday.

The increased testing sits alongside the other recently introduced emergency measures, including face coverings, limiting time in the treatment room and observing social distancing.

Norwich manager Dean Smith revealed his club had asked the Premier League for guidance over his bottom of the table team's Covid issues prior to Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

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"It's been a tough few days. We've had a few Covid-related drop outs," Smith said before kick-off at Carrow Road.

Villa were also hit by Covid but they kept their focus to make it four wins from six games under new boss Steven Gerrard.

Smith had hoped for revenge on Villa just 38 days after his sacking.

But Jacob Ramsey ran from the halfway line to fire home in the 35th minute and Ollie Watkins tapped in after 87 minutes.&nbsp;

"It's been a challenging week," Gerrard said. "We have to make sure we're very diligent with the guidelines. Nobody wants to see the situation deteriorate."

Manchester City powered four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Kevin De Bruyne inspired a 7-0 rout of Leeds just hours after clubs were given strict new measures to curb the threat of the coronavirus on Tuesday.

Manchester City powered four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Kevin De Bruyne inspired a 7-0 rout of Leeds just hours after clubs were given strict new measures to curb the threat of the coronavirus on Tuesday. De Bruyne delivered an imperious display including two goals on his first league start since November 6 after the Belgian star recovered from a bout of Covid-19. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake were also on target as Pep Guardiola's side ran riot at the Etihad Stadium. 8' ⚽️ Foden 13' ⚽️ Grealish 32' ⚽️ KDB 49' ⚽️ Mahrez 62' ⚽️ KDB 74' ⚽️ Stones 78' ⚽️ Ake#ManCity pic.twitter.com/1pPDeL0mPg — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 15, 2021 × City's seventh successive league victory put pressure on second placed Liverpool and third placed Chelsea, who face Newcastle and Everton respectively on Thursday. The champions' biggest win this season equalled Liverpool's 1982 top-flight record of 33 victories in a calendar year. "We're proud of the way we're playing. When you get these results it is because individually they are brilliant," Guardiola said. "Kevin, in these type of games when it is open up and down, is devastating as he can do what he wants. He's so important for us." It was the joint biggest league defeat in Leeds' history and shell-shocked boss Marcelo Bielsa said: "We've never had a performance like this. There is no justification. I have to take responsibility." City took the lead in the eighth minute when Foden's shot was deflected in via Stuart Dallas's miscued attempt to clear off the line. ALSO READ: Huge relief! Newcastle United cleared to make Saudi deals if 'fair value' It was City's 500th Premier League goal in 207 matches under Guardiola, setting a new record that surpassed the previous fastest mark by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. Grealish had managed just two goals for City since his British record £100 million ($132 million) transfer from Aston Villa. In the 13th minute, the 26-year-old headed in Mahrez's cross to score for the first time since September. De Bruyne marked his return with his first goal since October, converting Rodri's defence-splitting pass in the 32nd minute. Mahrez added City's fourth in the 49th minute when his strike deflected in off Junior Firpo. De Bruyne made it five in the 62nd minute with a thunderous 20-yard drive into the roof of the net. Stones blasted home in the 74th minute and Ake headed City's seventh four minutes later. 'Tough few days' Whether City's determined title defence survives without a brush with Covid remains to be seen as the new Omicron strain wrecks havoc. The Premier League announced on Monday there had been 42 positive Covid cases among top-flight players and staff last week -- the most recorded in any seven-day period since testing began during the 2019-20 season. Manchester United's match at Brentford on Tuesday and Tottenham's trip to Brighton last Sunday were both postponed due to virus outbreaks. United and Tottenham had several unnamed players test positive, while Brighton, Leicester, Norwich and Aston Villa were also hit by the virus over the last week. Now all top-flight players and staff will have to take a lateral flow test every time they enter their club's training ground as part of the protocols. Twice-weekly PCR testing will also be introduced after a meeting of the 20 clubs on Tuesday. The increased testing sits alongside the other recently introduced emergency measures, including face coverings, limiting time in the treatment room and observing social distancing. Norwich manager Dean Smith revealed his club had asked the Premier League for guidance over his bottom of the table team's Covid issues prior to Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa. ALSO READ | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang removed as Arsenal captain after disciplinary breach "It's been a tough few days. We've had a few Covid-related drop outs," Smith said before kick-off at Carrow Road. Villa were also hit by Covid but they kept their focus to make it four wins from six games under new boss Steven Gerrard. Smith had hoped for revenge on Villa just 38 days after his sacking. But Jacob Ramsey ran from the halfway line to fire home in the 35th minute and Ollie Watkins tapped in after 87 minutes. "It's been a challenging week," Gerrard said. "We have to make sure we're very diligent with the guidelines. Nobody wants to see the situation deteriorate."

Premier League: Manchester City thrashes Leeds 7-0 for seventh straight win- WATCH

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that at least one person has died in the UK after contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant.

The UK Health Security Agency said Omicron - first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November - can overcome the immunity of those who have had two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech.

"Absolutely, the doctors suggest they have to do it," Guardiola told reporters on Monday when asked about players getting the booster shots.

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"We speak with the players every day to say be careful. Stay healthy, wear masks, social distance.

"It's Christmas, the tendency is to party and go out. But the virus is still here. The virus doesn`t allow you to suffer much, but cases rise day by day, so just be careful."

Tottenham Hotspur recorded 13 COVID-19 cases at the club last week, while Leicester City and Manchester United were also affected by the virus.

City, top of the Premier League on 38 points after 16 games, are due to host 15th-placed Leeds United on Tuesday.

Guardiola said Leeds, who are 12 points behind City, will pose a challenge even in the absence of top striker Patrick Bamford and midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who are out injured.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-full-draw-psg-drawn-against-real-madrid-man-utd-to-take-on-atletico-madrid-436632">Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico Madrid</a>

"Leeds is one of our toughest opponents," Guardiola said. "They play every week in a special unique way and we play against the special and unique way just two times a year. It is completely different to other opponents.

"Bamford was injured for a long time now, Phillips too... But if there is one person who doesn`t complain about what happens, it is Marcelo (Bielsa). He loves to work when the situation is tough."

Guardiola said all players are available for Tuesday's game except for the suspended Joao Cancelo and Ferran Torres, who is recovering from a foot injury.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that at least one person has died in the UK after contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant. The UK Health Security Agency said Omicron - first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November - can overcome the immunity of those who have had two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech. "Absolutely, the doctors suggest they have to do it," Guardiola told reporters on Monday when asked about players getting the booster shots. ALSO READ: Premier League: Brentford's boss Thomas Frank expects game to be held despite Man Utd COVID-19 scare "We speak with the players every day to say be careful. Stay healthy, wear masks, social distance. "It's Christmas, the tendency is to party and go out. But the virus is still here. The virus doesn`t allow you to suffer much, but cases rise day by day, so just be careful." Tottenham Hotspur recorded 13 COVID-19 cases at the club last week, while Leicester City and Manchester United were also affected by the virus. City, top of the Premier League on 38 points after 16 games, are due to host 15th-placed Leeds United on Tuesday. Guardiola said Leeds, who are 12 points behind City, will pose a challenge even in the absence of top striker Patrick Bamford and midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who are out injured. ALSO READ: Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico Madrid "Leeds is one of our toughest opponents," Guardiola said. "They play every week in a special unique way and we play against the special and unique way just two times a year. It is completely different to other opponents. "Bamford was injured for a long time now, Phillips too... But if there is one person who doesn`t complain about what happens, it is Marcelo (Bielsa). He loves to work when the situation is tough." Guardiola said all players are available for Tuesday's game except for the suspended Joao Cancelo and Ferran Torres, who is recovering from a foot injury.

Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola urges players to get COVID-19 booster shots amid scare

Pep Guardiola said he was "overwhelmed" to be described by Marcelo Bielsa as "magical" ahead of Manchester City's clash with Leeds on Saturday.

Veteran Leeds boss Bielsa this week said the Catalan was a "magical man" because of the way his teams played.

Guardiola, who views the Argentine as a role model, said at his pre-match press conference on Friday: "I'm overwhelmed, I feel weird.

"He's the most honest person. I'm pretty sure what he says is what he believes. He doesn't say or do anything for the media for the reputation of himself.

"That's why I'm overwhelmed. Everyone knows the admiration and respect (I have for him), the way he helped me in my beginnings.

"Always he'll be there in my heart and that's why I am always, 'wow'.&nbsp;

"Always I feel I don't deserve it because if there's one person who can search or find the secrets, the way we want to do it, the way we want to play, it's him, through his work ethic and especially his knowledge about the game."

Quadruple-chasing City head into the Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium 14 points clear at the top of the table.

They need 11 more points from their remaining seven fixtures to wrap up their third title in four years.

The sides drew 1-1 when they met at Elland Road in October.

Guardiola said: "I am looking forward to the game. We faced them in the first game and we know how difficult it was and this will not be an exception.

"The quality of the manager and the backroom staff shows in the position in the table. They were promoted last season and are already safe with 42 points... They've done incredibly well all season."

City were boosted this week by the announcement that Kevin De Bruyne had signed a new contract, committing him to the club until 2025.

Seeing it through would take the 29-year-old playmaker up to a decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola said: "I'm glad an important player like Kevin, who can have all the world in his hands and all the clubs would be delighted to have him, has decided to stay with us.

"I think it's a big compliment for all at Manchester City."

Pep Guardiola said he was "overwhelmed" to be described by Marcelo Bielsa as "magical" ahead of Manchester City's clash with Leeds on Saturday. Veteran Leeds boss Bielsa this week said the Catalan was a "magical man" because of the way his teams played.

Pep Guardiola said he was "overwhelmed" to be described by Marcelo Bielsa as "magical" ahead of Manchester City's clash with Leeds on Saturday. Veteran Leeds boss Bielsa this week said the Catalan was a "magical man" because of the way his teams played. Guardiola, who views the Argentine as a role model, said at his pre-match press conference on Friday: "I'm overwhelmed, I feel weird. "He's the most honest person. I'm pretty sure what he says is what he believes. He doesn't say or do anything for the media for the reputation of himself. "That's why I'm overwhelmed. Everyone knows the admiration and respect (I have for him), the way he helped me in my beginnings. "Always he'll be there in my heart and that's why I am always, 'wow'. "Always I feel I don't deserve it because if there's one person who can search or find the secrets, the way we want to do it, the way we want to play, it's him, through his work ethic and especially his knowledge about the game." Quadruple-chasing City head into the Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium 14 points clear at the top of the table. They need 11 more points from their remaining seven fixtures to wrap up their third title in four years. The sides drew 1-1 when they met at Elland Road in October. Guardiola said: "I am looking forward to the game. We faced them in the first game and we know how difficult it was and this will not be an exception. "The quality of the manager and the backroom staff shows in the position in the table. They were promoted last season and are already safe with 42 points... They've done incredibly well all season." City were boosted this week by the announcement that Kevin De Bruyne had signed a new contract, committing him to the club until 2025. Seeing it through would take the 29-year-old playmaker up to a decade at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said: "I'm glad an important player like Kevin, who can have all the world in his hands and all the clubs would be delighted to have him, has decided to stay with us. "I think it's a big compliment for all at Manchester City."

Guardiola overwhelmed by Bielsa's 'magical man' tribute

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Premier League: Manchester City thrashes Leeds 7-0 for seventh straight win- WATCH

Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola urges players to get COVID-19 booster shots amid scare

Guardiola overwhelmed by Bielsa's 'magical man' tribute