The defending premiers' in-form forward Jesse Randall starred, netting once at Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take the leading goalscorer of the season mantle with nine.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Logan Rogerson ended his season drought with a powerful header after a curling cross from No.10 Guillermo May.
It was Rogerson's first goal since the 2024/25 finals series and came after a cut-and-thrust opening period.
City came out after the break and dominated possession and opportunities but Randall scored an opportunist goal in the 59th minute following an 80m clearance by goalkeeper Michael Woud.
Randall was at it again seven minutes later with his fifth assist of the campaign, providing for May to make it 3-0.
The win took the Black Knights to 35 points, still in second place on the table and with their hopes of catching Newcastle still alive.
City, the defending champions, were ninth at the conclusion of the match and could be even lower after the round's matches are completed.
Visiting forward Daniel Arzani was dangerous early and put one right on the head of central defender Harrison Delbridge which was thwarted in goal.
Former Victory attacker Arzani returned to Melbourne, but joined City in the January transfer window on loan from Hungarian club Ferencvaros, to push for selection in the Socceroos side for the World Cup and add to his 11 international caps.
Randall was a threat at the other end and it was left-back Francis De Vries who provided the best early chance with a curling cross but Rogerson headed over the bar.
A stunning diving save by Patrick Beach denied a strike by defensive midfielder Jake Girdwood-Reich after defusing several corners with confident punches.
There was a moment after half an hour where VAR decided Auckland defender Callan Elliot had not committed a hand ball in the box, much to the protestations of City's Andreas Kuen who was demanding a penalty.
Kuen's glancing header not long after was tracking for the goal but Felipe Gallegos headed it off the line.
Auckland suffered a blow when captain Hiroki Sakai succumbed to a leg injury in the 40th minute and was replaced by Sam Cosgrove.Â
The second half was eventually dominated by the hosts after the sting went out of City when they failed to take their early opportunities.
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