February 12, (THEWILL) – Manchester City thrashed Norwich 4-0 on Saturday night, thanks to a hattrick from Raheem Sterling and a goal from Phil Foden.
Sterling scored the game’s first goal in the 31st minute, with Foden scoring late in the second half to put the game out of reach. Sterling added his second goal after poking Ruben Dias’ header across goal into the net.
Early on, Bernardo Silva hit the post before Grant Hanley’s header rebounded off the crossbar. Norwich put up a valiant fight, but City eventually broke through, thanks to an error by Max Aarons.
The right back failed to clear Kyle Walker’s cross, and Sterling sent the ball into the far corner with ease.
Despite Hanley’s desperate efforts, the Canaries were unable to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead, just after the start of the second half when Foden scrappily bundled in, following great work from Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan, with goal-line technology awarding the goal.
With Norwich’s spirit shattered, the Premier League winners added a third goal and Sterling’s second when Dias headed in Foden’s cross for the England international to tap in at the back post.
In the 90th minute, Sterling completed his hattrick after Hanley was penalised for tripping substitute Liam Delap. The original spot-kick was saved by Angus Gunn, but the ball landed nicely for Sterling to finish the 4-0 triumph.
Sterling’s record for the season now stands at 12 goals in all competitions, second only to Riyad Mahrez (16), for the team from the Etihad Stadium. The victory means they now have a 12-point lead over Liverpool in second place as their title defence continues, while Norwich remain in 18th place, one point from safety.
City’s next match is against Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday. While a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool awaits Norwich in their next Premier League match on Saturday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
