PLAYER RATINGS: Erling Haaland was eye-catching in five-star thrashing of Wolves – but which Man City team-mate was ‘imperious’ and who was at fault for the ‘daft’ goal they conceded?
- Man City striker Erling Haaland scored four times in the 5-1 thrashing of Wolves
- Substitute Julian Alvarez completed the rout in the 85th minute at the Etihad
- It’s that time of the season! Who are the five best players of the season? Listen to the It all starts! podcast
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland struck four times as they stayed 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 moved them to within one point of the north Londoners at the top of the table, but with a game in hand.
Haaland – who extended his league lead to 25 with the first four goals of his career – converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and doubled City’s lead in the 35th when he headed home from the far post after Rodri’s cross .
The 23-year-old Norwegian converted again from the spot just before half time. Hwang Hee-chan pulled one back for Wolves in the 53rd. But a minute later Haaland snuffed out any hopes of a comeback for the visitors with his fourth. Substitute Julian Alvarez completed City’s scoring in the 85th.
Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan rated the players.
Man City striker Erling Haaland scored four against Wolves to take his tally to 36 this season
The Norwegian returned to his blistering best after a somewhat difficult period for him
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
Ederson-6
Brave goalkeeping – waving the hand at an innocent cross – gave Wolves a goal back after the break. He then completed a stunning pass to open the match, allowing City to score.
Kyle Walker-7
Flew forward from right back and caused Wolves real problems when he doubled with Bernardo Silva in the final third.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5
Another stable Eddie at the back and even more proof why Pep Guardiola picks him every week. Solid in possession.
Nathan Ake – 7
Generally comes to the fore towards the end of the seasons and this was largely another quiet performance from Mr Dependable.
Man City midfielder Rodri was very strong in breaking down the game against Wolves on Saturday
Josko Gvardiol-8
He’s really enjoying City’s little tactical adjustment, allowing him to stay high and wide. Looking more and more dangerous in attack areas.
Rodri-9
One mistake, but imperious. A very strong break in play, sending City into second place for Erling Haaland.
Mateo Kovačić – 8
Measured and does its job with minimal fuss. Wonderful through ball for Haaland in the run-up to the second penalty.
Bernardo Silva – 7.5
He seemed more alive than he had in recent weeks. A trick box on the right and his passing moment was good.
Phil Foden was a constant threat and set up Haaland for his fourth goal with a beautiful pass
Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5
Dangerous every time the ball was under his spell. One of those days where he could have gotten multiple assists.
Phil Foden-9
Continues to threaten to score a miracle goal while slaloming through challenges. Clear in the pockets and takes defenders with him. Top assist for Haaland’s fourth.
Erling Haaland – 9.5
Top header for the second. Striking speed boost when winning the second penalty. A beauty for its fourth year. Thirty-six goals in what is 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)
Sat 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, González, Okoduwa, Fraser
Referee: Craig Pawson6
