Gabriel Jesus extended his productive start to the new year, scoring twice as Manchester City comfortably dealt with 10-man Wolves 3-0 to cut Liverpool's Premier League lead to four points.

The Brazilian scored twice in the first half, either side of a straight red card for Wolves' French defender Willy Boly, as Pep Guadiola's team demonstrated that their shaky December form has been banished.

Two weeks into 2019, City have scored 21 goals in four home games already this year. They have hit 99 in all competitions this season.

The City manager could afford the luxury of starting with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero on the bench, even though the pair have recovered from recent injuries.

Jesus had scored just three times in his 16 league games coming into the New Year but his two-goal performance against Nuno Espirito Santo's team not only boosted that statistic but also continued his incredible vein of recent form.

Scorer of one goal in the seven-goal FA Cup win over Rotherham and four in last week's 9-0 humiliation of Burton in the League Cup, Jesus now has seven goals in his past three outings.

City's task was made easier by a straight red card shown to Boly in the 19th minute but, even at that early point, Guardiola's side were a goal to the good and in cruise control.

Jesus's opener came in the 10th minute after a magnificent 40-yard pass from defender Aymeric Laporte exposed the Wolves defence and sent Leroy Sane sprinting down the left.

The German's low cross was judged to perfection, as was Jesus's run, as he slid in and steered the ball into an open goal.

Boly's rash challenge, an out-of control, one-footed lunge at Bernardo Silva, may not have been malicious but was deserving of a red soon after.

And when Jesus and City scored the second of their evening, from a 39th minute penalty, it was hard to see Wolves forcing their way back.