Norwich 0-4 Manchester City: Reheem Sterling nets hat-trick as City sweep Canaries aside to restore Premier League lead

Raheem Sterling netted a hat-trick and Phil Foden was also on target as Manchester City restored their 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a comprehensive victory at Norwich City. Sterling opened his account for the day in the 31st-minute when he curled in a beauty from 18 yards to give Pep Guardiola's side the lead at half-time.

Ad/> Norwich had their moments in an entertaining first half but failed to test visiting goalkeeper Ederson during their spell of sustained pressure. However, Grant Hanley came within a whisker of opening the scoring when his bullet header struck the base of the post.

Premier League'I don’t believe him' — Guardiola dismisses Klopp's talk of Liverpool giving up on title10 HOURS AGO Guardiola rested Kevin De Bruyne, Joao Cancelo and Rodri, but largely looked in control and Foden doubled their advantage to put daylight between the teams just three minutes after the restart. City only grew in confidence and with 20 minutes remaining, Sterling grabbed his second, slotting into an empty net after being set up on a plate by Ruben Dias' header.

The margin of victory allowed Guardiola to give Bernardo Silva and Foden an early rest, with teenagers James McAtee, Liam Delap and debutant Kayky given an opportunity for senior minutes. Sterling put the gloss on another fine performance with his treble in added-time, pouncing on the rebound after saving his penalty saved by Angus Gunn.

The victory moves City onto 63 points, 12 ahead of Liverpool ahead of their trip to Burnley on Sunday afternoon. Premier League table Premier League fixtures/results Premier League top scorers TALKING POINT — Pep rings the changes, but City still prove too strong With an important Champions League last-16 game