Raheem Sterling reaches century to help Man City stay top of Premier League

England forward scores 100th league goal from the spot in 1-0 win over 10-man Wolves

Raheem Sterling scores the penalty that earns Manchester City a 1-0 win over Wolves at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. AFP

Raheem Sterling scored his 100th Premier League goal to help Manchester City beat 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday and ensure the champions stay top of the standings.

City dominated the game in terms of possession and chances but needed a 66th-minute penalty from Sterling - after Bernardo Silva's cross hit Joao Moutinho's elevated arm in the area - to claim the three points. It was the England forward's 100th league goal on his 304th appearance.

Wolves handed City an enormous advantage moments before half-time when Mexican striker Raul Jimenez was sent off after two bookings moment apart. Jimenez was shown yellow for a reckless foul on City midfielder Rodri before receiving a second when he stopped the subsequent free-kick from being taken.

City dominated the second half as a result, edging in front through Sterling's penalty - a decision that required a lengthy VAR check - midway through the second half.

"It's a lovely achievement," Sterling said when asked about reaching 100 Premier League goals. "There are some fantastic players in that list. I’m really honoured to be in it now."

The home side had plenty of chances to make the result more comfortable, with Jack Grealish's struggles since becoming the British record transfer in the close season continuing as he missed from close range.

However, one goal proved enough for City who picked up their sixth successive league win to move four points clear of Liverpool, who host Aston Villa later on Saturday, at the top of the standings.

Wolves, who battled hard as decisions went against them at the Etihad Stadium, stay eighth on 21 from 16 games.

The game hinged on one moment of madness. Wolves looked comfortable going into the interval before Jimenez's needless dismissal gave City the lift they needed.

The Mexico international received his first yellow card for a foul on midfielder Rodri and 31 seconds later got another for blocking Rodri’s free-kick having not retreated enough.

"He knows he cannot do that. I went into the dressing room and saw his face," Wolves manager Bruno Lage said. "But the first yellow, he didn't touch the man and we have 10 men behind the ball. So it is a very hard decision and cost us a lot."

After the break, it was all-out attack from City, with Wolves defender Conor Coady clearing off the line to deny Ilkay Gundogan.

Referee Jon Moss then further ensured he won't be welcome in Wolverhampton anytime soon after awarding City a penalty for handball against Moutinho.

The Portugal midfielder was adamant the ball hit his ribs but, following a long delay while the video assistant referee checked the incident, Moss’s decision stood.

Sterling slotted the penalty down the middle, becoming the 32nd player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

"No penalty for me. That's why it is very strange, the referee decision and the VAR decision," Lage said. "I protect VAR every time, it is very good for modern football. He put his arm out but where did it touch? Come on."

The hosts should have made the win more comfortable. Bernardo Silva was denied by a smart save from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, while several other last-ditch blocks kept them at bay.

The visitors piled forward late on and had one last-gasp opportunity to snatch a point, but Ederson tipped Max Kilman's header over the bar to keep his 100th clean sheet for City.

“We were much better with 11 players and with 10 from Wolves," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "It is so difficult against a team who defend the way they defend.”