LONDON: Manchester City lead the English Premier League by six points after thrashing Leicester 6-3.

Three of the Boxing Day matches had to be postponed as a result of COVID-19 with Britain again struggling to deal with the surge of cases caused by the Omicron variant.

Earlier this week, English Premier League clubs rejected a proposal to suspend the league to break the chain of infection.

The league suspension is seen as the only way to slow down the hunt for a fourth title in City’s five seasons in which Pep Guardiola’s men have now won nine consecutive league games.

City’s goal party at the Etihad Stadium started with four goals in the first 25 minutes. Kevin de Bruyne opened the scoring before Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty on the old club.

Ilkay Gundogan made it 3-0 before Raheem Sterling got a second penalty and completed it.

Leicester bounced back in the second half with James Maddison opening the scoring before triggering a counter -attack completed by Ademola Lookman.

Kelechi Iheanacho made it 4-3 after capitalizing on Maddison’s effort which was parried by Ederson but just hit the crossbar.

City, however, widened the gap and secured three points through goals from Aymeric Laporte and Sterling.

“It’s like a roller coaster. This is a normal Boxing Day match, a lot of goals. It entertains everyone,” Guardiola said.