A stunning performance from Kevin De Bruyne saw Manchester City claim all three points in a 5-1 win at Molineux, as the Belgium international scored four goals against a stubborn Wolverhampton Wanderers and put the Citizens three points clear of Liverpool.Champions League here we come but let’s hold on to that third spot – Chelsea push Leeds closer to the abyssCity didn’t wait long to take over as they scored within seven minutes. De Bruyne flicked the ball over the top of a Wolves player to Bernardo Silva, who tracked the Belgian’s run into the box and played De Bruyne in and against a tight angle, he was able to slot the ball past José Sá. That lead didn’t last long, as Raúl Jiménez charged into the visitors half, picking out Pedro Neto down the left-wing. The young forward moved into the box and played a flat pass along the edge of the box where it was met by the advancing Leander Dendoncker, who fired the ball into the bottom right of Ederson’s goal.The explosive start to the game didn’t stop there as the third goal was scored within the opening 16 minutes. De Bruyne’s attempted pass into the path of Raheem Sterling was cut out by Sá, but the goalkeeper inadvertently deflected the ball back into De Bruyne’s path, allowing him to slam home his second of the night. Refusing to let the hosts back into the game, De Bruyne completed his first hat-trick in 12 years after just 24 minutes. The City playmaker seized on a loose ball before firing a rocket of a shot into the bottom left of the Wolves goal.After seeing a goal ruled out after the interval, the visitors got their fourth with the man of the moment scoring on the hour mark. The Belgian played Phil Foden through and the youngster’s pass was initially meant for the advancing Sterling, but the winger and Wolves defender missed the ball, leaving it wide open for De Bruyne to place his shot into the bottom right corner. Sterling grabbed the fifth just before the end, tapping home a rebounded shot into an open Wolves goal.A frustrating night for Bruno Lage’s men leaves their European football ambitions hanging by a thread with two games left to play. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s men took another step towards a fourth title in five seasons, stretching their lead over Liverpool with De Bruyne hitting his stride at the business end of the season.PREMIER LEAGUE – Rearranged matchesTuesdayAston Villa – Liverpool 1-2 (1-1)/Luiz 3 – Matip 6, Mane 65/WednesdayLeicester – Norwich 3-0 (0-0)/Vardy 54, 62, Maddison 70/Watford – Everton 0-0Leeds – Chelsea 0-3 (0-1)/Mount 4, Pulisic 55, Lukaku 83/Wolverhampton – Man.City 1-5 (1-3)/Dendoncker 11 – De Bruyne 7, 16, 24, 60, Sterling 84/Thursday21:45: (2.30) Tottenham (3.40) Arsenal (3.35)***odds are subject to change
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