Manchester City came out with a dominant performance as they defeated Southampton 3-0 to strengthen their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish at the St. Mary's Stadium here on Saturday.
Both sides struggled to create much in the first half as neither of the goalkeepers was tested.
But City found their stride after the break as injury-hit skipper Vincent Kompany scored the opening goal with a superb header in the 55th minute.
The Belgian's header ended a 20-month drought - though the injury-plagued defender has only played 17 top-flight games in that time, reports goal.com
Pep Guardiola's men kept on attacking thereafter as Sane made the score line 2-0, 13 minutes from time and literally finished the game, before Sergio Aguero scored the third with a close-range header.
City leapfrog Liverpool into third and are seven points ahead of Everton and Manchester United, although their city neighbours have two games in hand.
City will next take on United on April 27 in their Premier League encounter whereas Saints have a 10-day break before returning with a trip to leaders Chelsea on April 25.