Sterling bags hat-trick in comfortable win for City
RAHEEM Sterling scored a hattrick as Manchester City claimed a 4-0 victory at Norwich that sees them move 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
With closest challengers Liverpool not in action until Sunday, Pep Guardiola was able to make five changes and still see his league leaders record a comfortable 4-0 win at Carrow Road.
The visitors created plenty of chances before Sterling curled home a fine opener, Phil Foden then doubling the lead early in the second half.
Sterling headed in his second of the night from close range and completed his hat-trick by tapping home after seeing a last-minute penalty saved.
Everton moved five points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Leeds in their first Premier League home match under Frank Lampard.
The Toffees went 2-0 up in the first half via headers from defenders Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane in the 10th and 23rd minutes respectively.
Anthony Gordon then wrapped up the victory for Lampard’s men as he got the final touch to Richarlison’s 78th-minute strike.
Che Adams fired Southampton to a deserved point at Old Trafford as Manchester United blew a lead to draw 1-1.
Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils have failed to capitalise on dominant opening periods in the shock FA Cup exit - on penalties - to Middlesbrough and Tuesday’s trip to rockbottom Burnley.
On Saturday, Jadon Sancho again put United ahead before half-time but they were far less assured against the Saints, who left with a point after Adams lashed home just days on from his winner at Tottenham.
Neal Maupay and Adam Webster were on target as Brighton saw off a Watford side yet to score a goal under new manager Roy Hodgson.
In a game of few chances, Maupay volleyed past Ben Foster just before the break to give the Seagulls a deserved advantage before Webster poked the ball home 10 minutes from time to make it 2-0.
Christian Eriksen got the biggest cheer of the day before Brentford were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace. Eriksen was introduced to the Bees supporters on the pitch ahead of kick-off, eight months to the day since his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
On this evidence that first appearance cannot come too soon after a bore draw crying out for someone of Erikson’s creativity and craft. Brentford did at least end a run of five straight defeats to leave Palace still searching for their first league win of 2022.