City rediscover top form ahead of Real test

Manchester City 5 Aston Villa 0

For much of the start to the season there has been a sense of something not quite right with the champions. From the European failure, defensive issues, more bother with Mario Balotelli, as well as Mancini dealing with reports he spoke to Monaco at the end of last season by revealing he negotiated with as many as seven more teams, negative issues have never been far away at the Etihad Stadium.

Even Joe Hart has come in for criticism in recent weeks but on Saturday City reminded themselves of the cure to it all.