Pep Guardiola’s side will stay for at least another day, with Liverpool needing to beat Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday to reclaim its place at the summit.

Raheem Sterling came off the bench to add the host’s third with his first touch, a week after suffering alleged racial abuse during City’s defeat at Chelsea.

This victory was rarely in serious doubt once Jesus had fired his side ahead on a bitterly cold day at Etihad Stadium. Yerry Mina’s misplaced pass allowed Ilkay Gundogan to find Leroy Sane in space, and he sent Jesus galloping into the area to score with a fine low finish.

It was the Brazilian’s first league goal since August - a run of 11 games and 487 minutes without finding the net - but he only had to wait another 28 minutes for his second of the game.

When it arrived just after half-time, Sane was the provider again - with Jesus meeting his precise cross to plant an unstoppable header past Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford.

City looked in complete control but Everton gave itself hope just after the hour when Dominic Calvert Lewin met Lucas Digne’s cross to reduce the deficit.