Manchester City cruised to a dominant win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Erling Haaland pulling the strings in the affair.
The Cityzens went ahead in the 12th minute via a penalty, with Haaland thundering home a shot towards the left, with Wolves goalie Sa diving in the opposite direction.
Pep Guardiola’s side were handed the penalty after Josko Gvardiol was fouled in the Wanderers box by midfielder Rayan Ait Nouri.
Several football enthusiasts felt the penalty was harsh, but there was a clear contact and as such, referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot, with Erling Haaland dispatching the penalty.
Manchester City were utterly sublime against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City continued bossing the game, and Haaland once again showed his attacking prowess by scoring the second of the affair.
Rodri recovered the ball for the Cityzens and subsequently found Kevin De Bruyne, who returned the pass to the Spaniard.
De Bruyne sent a cross over to the path of Haaland, who headed the ball into the bottom-right corner.
Erling Haaland sublimely poked home Manchester City’s third of the night in the 3rd minute of added time in the first 45.
The goal also came from the spot, after the Norwegian was fouled in the box by Nelson Semedo, who was brandished a yellow for his troubles.
Haaland stepped up and struck an attempt into the bottom-left corner, with the power beating Jose Sa in goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers despite diving the right way.
The Cityzens went into the break leading comfortably, following a domineering display throughout the opening period.
In a bid to change the game, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil introduced Jean Bellegarde for Mario Lemina following the restart of action in the second half.
Seven minutes before the hour mark, Hee-Chan Hwang netted the solitary goal of the game for Wolverhampton Wanderers, with substitute Bellegarde having a part to play in the goal.
Jean Bellegarde delivered an inviting cross into the area, with City goalie pushing the ball to Ederson Moraes.
The South Korean netted what went on to only be a consolation goal from close range, pulling one back for Wolves.
Erling Haaland was staggering for Manchester City against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City weren’t done with the scoring act yet, as Erling Haaland, who has been menacing all evening recorded his 4th of the evening in the 54th minute.
Phil Foden had possession in the half of Manchester City and he switched the ball over to Haaland.
The 23-year-old controlled the ball brilliantly with his right foot, before driving forward, then switching it on to his left foot, curling a beautiful effort beyond Sa.
Pep Guardiola brought on board John Stones for Nathan Ake in the 69th minute, while Gary O’Neil sent on Santiago Bueno for Hugo Bueno in the 71st minute.
Five minutes later, Pablo Sarabia entered the fray for Wolves, with Matheus Cunha coming off in his stead.
Matheus Nunes replaced Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City in the 79th minute, while Jack Grealish came on for Phil Foden.
Jeremy Doku also got 10 minutes of regular time under his belt, as he was brought on for Bernardo Silva.
The final substitution for Pep Guardiola happened in the 83rd minute, with Julian Alvarez being substituted in for fiery Erling Haaland.
Julian Alvarez also penned his name on the score sheet
Two minutes after coming on Alvarez also got in on the scoring act, after Rodri sent a telepathic pass into the path of Alvarez, down the left side of the 18.
The Argentine then hit his low effort across goal and into the bottom-right corner, with Manchester City being fully ruthless at the Etihad Stadium.
Having lost the first leg at the Molineux 2-1, the Cityzens responded with class, especially at the crucial stage of the season where every victory does matter.
Lone scorer of the evening for Wolverhampton Wanderers also exited the pitch in the 87th minute, going off for Tawanda Chirewa.
Just 4 players were booked throughout the game, and they are Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina, Boubacar Traore and Joao Gomes, all players of the visitors.
The win put Manchester City 1 point behind Arsenal on the table, having played one game less than the Gunners, who defeated Bournemouth 3-0 earlier in the day.
Pep Guardiola’s side have picked up 82 points from 35 matches this season, while Arsenal have recorded 83 from 35 games played.
Manchester City have Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United to play before drawing the curtains on what has been an eventful season, while Arsenal have Manchester United to play alongside Everton on the final day of the season.
The Cityzens needed to respond after Mikel Arteta’s side had picked up a victory in the afternoon and they did so in emphatic fashion.
Meanwhile, Wolves occupy the 11th spot with 46 points from 36 matches played, 2 points behind Bournemouth, who sit 10th on the log.
