Kevin De Bruyne has produced a string of devastating finishes in scoring four of Manchester City's goals in a 5-1 win at Wolverhampton to restore their three-point lead over Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a masterful attacking display, De Bruyne completed his hat-trick by the 24th minute on Wednesday and marked it with a 'Zen' pose -- perhaps a nod to the celebration made famous by Erling Haaland, the striker who is set to join City from Borussia Dortmund in the off-season.
Belgium midfielder De Bruyne said it wasn't necessarily a nod to Haaland -- "I just did it because I'd scored three," he said -- but they already appear to be on the same wavelength.
De Bruyne added his fourth on the hour mark with another clinical strike to ensure no way back for Wolves, who had equalised through Leander Dendoncker in the 11th.
"In the second part of the league, he (De Bruyne) has been beyond perfect," City manager Pep Guardiola said.
"He was always a guy who is so generous and has the sense to make an assist, but I think this season he has the sense to be prolific and score goals."
Raheem Sterling wrapped up the scoring in the 84th as City made it five goals for the second straight match, after a 5-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
Crucially, City's goal difference is now superior to Liverpool's by seven, potentially meaning Guardiola's team might only need to win one of their final two games -- against West Ham on Sunday and Aston Villa a week later -- to retain the title.
Chelsea increased Leeds United's relegation fears with a 3-0 win and also boosted their own hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Blues consolidated third spot, four points ahead of Arsenal having played one more game, with goals from Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku sealing all three points at Elland Road.
But manager Thomas Tuchel expects Mateo Kovacic to miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool after Kovacic was forced off in the 30th minute with an ankle injury, shortly after Dan James had been shown a straight red card for his high tackle on the Croatia midfielder.
"He has a swollen ankle and is in a lot of pain," Tuchel said.
"I'm not a doctor and we need to wait for the examinations, but's very unlikely that he can play. It's absolutely bad news for us on our perfect evening.
"If he misses it I'm very disappointed because he was a clear starter."
Leeds stay third from bottom, while 16th-placed Everton were forced to settle for a point after a 0-0 draw at already-relegated Watford.
At King Power Stadium, Jamie Vardy scored twice and James Maddison the other to help Leicester beat last-placed Norwich 3-0 and snap a seven-game winless run in all competitions.
Australian Associated Press
