LONDON (REUTERS) - A rampant Manchester City shredded the English Premier League's meanest defence with a 6-0 home thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to roar into the top four.

Jesus Navas put City ahead after 13 seconds following a mistake by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before an own goal by Sandro and Sergio Aguero's deft finish made it 3-0 before half-time at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham, who had conceded only six league goals before Sunday, could not stem the flow after the break with Aguero and Alvaro Negredo both finishing clinically.

Navas completed the rout in stoppage-time as City's goal tally for the season rose to 34.

City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, again selected in place of England's Joe Hart, had precious little to do as Tottenham's goal-shy attack failed to make any impression.

City's sixth win from six home league games put them on 22 points from 12 games, above Southampton on goal difference and six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Manchester United could move above City later on Sunday with victory at Cardiff City.

Tottenham, who have managed a meagre nine goals in 12 league games, have slipped down to ninth with 20 points.