With a real show of power and more than a class difference Manchester City won at Norwich City. Raheem Sterling shone with three goals in the 4-0 win.
Before the first leg of Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 tie at Sporting Lisbon (9pm), ManCity were back in action in the league at Norwich – and they came out firing. However, an offside position by Foden, the inside post from Bernardo Silva’s shot or even Norwich goalkeeper Gunn from Gündogan’s header stood in the way of an early lead (3rd, 5th, 8th).
However, the in-form underdogs from the east of England also came out with a venomous performance at first, and Hanley narrowly missed the aluminium (18th). After that, however, the champions took control of the game in their usual commanding manner, wore down the promoted team and created countless chances. In the first half, however, only one was to lead to an overdue goal: Sterling’s flicked shot into the top right corner (31st).
Foden also scores at the clearly superior champions
Just three minutes after the restart, Foden extended the lead – albeit with a bit of luck. The game had already been decided. Because: Afterwards, it was to be a true demonstration of power by the Citizens, in which a difference of at least one class between the teams became apparent. The champions played the overtaxed Canaries up against the wall without any real problems. Again, the aluminium prevented worse for the promoted team after Aké’s attempt (53.). On the other side, ex-Bremer Rashica’s unmarked shot was Norwich’s only goal of the second half (61st).
Sterling, however, was allowed to celebrate twice more: After an assist from Ruben Dias, the English international striker only had to nod in (70th). Shortly before the end, the winger failed to hit Gunn with a questionable penalty kick, but he then slotted home the rebound for a more than deserved 4-0 final score (90th). For City, it’s on to the top flight – while it doesn’t get any easier for Norwich. Liverpool await at Anfield Road on Saturday (4pm).
