Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as Manchester City claimed a 4-0 victory at Norwich that sends them 12 points clear at the top of the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2022/02/11/premier-league-predictions-southampton-stun-manchester-united-tottenham-tame-wolves/" target="_blank">Premier League</a>. With closest challengers Liverpool not in action until Sunday, Pep Guardiola was able to make five changes and still see his league leaders record a comfortable 4-0 win at Carrow Road. The visitors created plenty of chances before Sterling curled home a fine opener, with Phil Foden then doubling the lead early in the second half. Sterling headed in his second of the night from close range and completed his hat-trick by tapping home after seeing a last-minute penalty saved. As Sterling tapped in the penalty rebound with his left foot, it meant his treble was a “perfect” hat-trick. Speaking after the game, Sterling told Sky Sports: “Yes, left foot, easy one right on their goalline. It’s nice.” The goals were Sterling’s first in six games. He said: “That’s football. You’re going to get chances but you’re not going to score everything that comes your way. You just keep going, getting in the right areas, and the goals will come.” The defeat ends a run of four unbeaten games across all competitions for Dean Smith’s men, who remain in the bottom three as a result and face a trip to Anfield next weekend. Everton moved five points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Leeds in their first Premier League home match under Frank Lampard. The Toffees went 2-0 up in the first half via headers from defenders Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane in the 10th and 23rd minutes respectively. Anthony Gordon then wrapped up the victory for Lampard’s men as he got the final touch to Richarlison’s 78th-minute strike. Neal Maupay and Adam Webster were on target as Brighton saw off a Watford side yet to score a goal under new manager Roy Hodgson. In a game of few chances, Maupay volleyed past Ben Foster just before the break to give the Seagulls a deserved advantage before Webster poked the ball home 10 minutes from time to make it 2-0. Christian Eriksen got the biggest cheer of the day before Brentford were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace. Eriksen was introduced to the Bees supporters on the pitch before kick-off, eight months to the day since his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. On this evidence, that first appearance cannot come too soon, after a bore draw crying out for someone of Erikson’s creativity and craft. Brentford did at least end a run of five straight defeats to leave Palace still searching for their first league win of 2022.
