Manchester City's Erling Haaland struck four times as they remained on course to win a fourth successive Premier League title with a 5-1 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Hours after Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola's men responded with a resounding victory that pulled them to within a point of the North Londoners at the top of the standings, but with a game in hand.
Haaland -- who boosted his league scoring lead to 25 with the first four-goal haul of his career -- converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and doubled City's lead in the 35th when he headed home at the far post from Rodri's cross.
The 23-year-old Norwegian converted again from the spot just before halftime. Hwang Hee-chan pulled one back for Wolves in the 53rd. But a minute later, Haaland smothered any hopes of a comeback by the visitors with his fourth. Substitute Julian Alvarez completed City's scoring in the 85th.
Mail Sport's Jack Gaughan rated the players.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
Ederson - 6
Daft goalkeeping – wafting a hand at a harmless cross – gifted Wolves a goal back after half time. Then completed a stunning pass to open the game up so City could score.
Kyle Walker - 7
Flew forward from right back and gave Wolves real problems when doubling up with Bernardo Silva in the final third.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5
Steady Eddie at the back once again and yet more proof as to why Pep Guardiola picks him every week. Solid in possession.
Nathan Ake - 7
Generally comes to the fore towards the end of seasons and this was largely another calm display from Mr Dependable.
Josko Gvardiol - 8
Really relishes City’s slight tactical tweak that allows him to stay high and wide. Looking more and more dangerous in attacking areas.
Rodri – 9
One mistake but imperious. Very strong breaking up of play to set City on their way for Erling Haaland’s second.
Mateo Kovacic - 8
Measured and does his job with minimal fuss. Lovely through ball for Haaland in the build-up to the second penalty.
Bernardo Silva – 7.5
Seemed livelier than he has in recent weeks. A box of tricks on the right-hand side and his timing of pass was on point.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5
Dangerous every time the ball was under his spell. One of those days when he could have ended up with multiple assists.
Phil Foden - 9
Keeps threatening to score a wonder goal when slaloming through challenges. Bright in the pockets and takes defenders with him. Top assist for Haaland’s fourth.
Erling Haaland – 9.5
Top header for the second. Eye-catching burst of pace in winning the second penalty. A beauty for his fourth. Thirty-six goals in what has been described as an average season.
Subs
John Stones (for Ake, 69) – 6.5, Jeremy Doku (for Silva, 80), Jack Grealish (for Foden, 80), Matheus Nunes (for De Bruyne, 79), Julian Alvarez (for Haaland, 82)
Wolves (3-5-2)
Sa 6; Semedo 4.5, Kilman 5, Toti 5; Air-Nouri 5, Traore 5.5, Gomes 6, Lemina 5 (Bellegarde 46, 6), H Bueno 6 (S Bueno 71, 6); Hee-chan 6.5 (Chirewa 87), Cunha 5.5 (Sarabia 76)
Subs not used: Bentley, Doherty, Gonzalez, Okoduwa, Fraser
Referee: Craig Pawson 6