Edin Dzeko says the spirit has returned at Manchester City

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko says the spirit of last season has returned to the Etihad following the thrashing of Newcastle.

Dzeko was among the goalscorers as City battered Newcastle 5-0 at home on Saturday - their biggest win of the campaign - to cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League to five points.

Manuel Pellegrini's team went four games without a league win early in the new year, allowing Chelsea to stretch their lead, but a 4-1 win at Stoke, followed by this latest success, has changed the mood and reinvigorated City's title defence.

Dzeko said: "I think the first half was maybe one of the best this season. Recently maybe we didn't play the best football, didn't score so many goals, but in the last two games we scored nine and hopefully we are back to normality - like we played last season. We have to continue."

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The Bosnian, who has been hampered with calf injuries this season, was delighted to get on the scoresheet and added: "I am happy with the goal.
 
"It finally came back to me after those two injuries when I didn't play much, didn't score so many. Hopefully I'm back too."

Sergio Aguero struck the opening goal from the penalty spot, his 22nd goal of the season, and Samir Nasri and Dzeko joined him on the scoresheet inside the opening 21 minutes.

A quickfire double from David Silva early in the second half put the seal on victory and City might have had three more but for good saves from Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.

One of his saves denied Wilfried Bony, City's £25m January signing, a debut goal after he appeared off the bench for the final 30 minutes.

"The goalkeeper made a great save," Bony said. "I was a little bit disappointed but when I saw the result I started to laugh. It would be great if I scored but I will take it next time."