Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick despite missing a penalty, as Manchester City condemned Norwich to a 4-0 defeat.
It only took Man City four minutes to find the net, when Phil Foden saw two shots saved before finishing at the third time of asking. However, he had been offside when Riyad Mahrez set him up.
Moments later, Mahrez was the provider again, this time for the onside Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese playmaker struck the inside of the post with his effort.
Next it was Norwich’s turn to be denied by the woodwork. Grant Hanley got his head on a Pierre Lees-Melou cross and directed it to the bottom of the post, before Fernandinho cleared the danger.
At the other end, the champions took the lead after half an hour. The ball fell to Raheem Sterling on the left-hand edge of the box and he curled it across goal and into the net.
It barely took Man City any time to double their lead after the second half began. Just three minutes after the re-start, something of a goalmouth scramble concluded with Phil Foden just getting the ball over the line.
And Sterling scored again to make it three in the 70th minute. Ruben Dias headed a cross from Phil Foden back across goal for his teammate to nod in.
Then, as stoppage time approached, Man City were given a penalty for a foul on Liam Delap. It presented Sterling with the opportunity to complete his hat-trick.
Sterling seals match ball
The number seven saw his spot kick saved by Angus Gunn, but he pounced on the deflection to tap home and make the matchball his own.
And given that he converted with his left foot, it meant his hat-trick was a perfect one.
Man City, as a result, have a 12-point lead over Liverpool (who have two games in hand) at the top of the Premier League table.
Norwich, on the other hand, occupy the final relegation spot. Down in 18th, they are only one point from safety but have played more games than the teams above them.
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