5 Nov 2018

Manchester City back on top of EPL, Chelsea second

7:27 am on 5 November 2018

Raheem Sterling struck twice as Premier League leaders Manchester City crushed Southampton 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium, the fourth time they have scored five or more goals in the 11 games so far this season.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne climbs high

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne climbs high Photo: Photosport

Chelsea are second after a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

City, who have a two-point lead over Liverpool, took just six minutes to open the scoring. David Silva fed Leroy Sane on the left and the German's low cross was turned by Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt into his own net.

Six minutes later and City were 2-0 up after Bernardo Silva fed Sterling on the right and the England winger's low cross was slotted home from close range by Sergio Aguero, the Argentine's 17th goal in his last 13 home games.

The game was virtually over by the 18th minute when Sterling's cross from the right eventually found David Silva whose left-foot drive flew past the helpless Alex McCarthy.

Southampton got a little encouragement when Danny Ings was brought down by City keeper Ederson and rose to convert the spot kick in the 30th minute but on the stroke of half-time City restored their three-goal advantage when Aguero passed to Sterling inside the box and he took his time before firing home.

Sterling struck again to make it 5-1, drilling into the bottom corner after being slipped in by the unselfish Aguero and Sane completed the rout in stoppage time.

Southampton are 16th on the table.

Alvaro Morata scored twice as unbeaten Chelsea climbed to second with a 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

After Liverpool drew at Arsenal yesterday, Chelsea knew victory would send them second and in-form Spain forward Morata saw them on their way with two smart finishes.

First the 26-year-old skilfully controlled and converted Pedro's cross in the 32nd minute, then -- after Andros Townsend equalised -- the often maligned Morata lashed home from a tight angle in the 65th minute for his fourth goal in four league matches.

Pedro then sealed the victory five minutes later, ghosting into the box to convert Marcos Alonso's cross in the 70th minute for a Chelsea side, who also welcomed back Eden Hazard as a second-half substitute.

Chelsea, one of three unbeaten sides, have 27 points from 11 games -- two fewer than leaders Manchester City -- and lead Liverpool in third on goal difference. Palace, meanwhile, have won just twice in the league this season and remain 14th with eight points.

-Reuters