MANCHESTER City remained at the top of the Premier League despite making hard work of 10-man Wolves on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s men had over 20 shots against their rivals, who were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of halftime when Raul Jimenez was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in under a minute. However, the only goal of the game came midway though the second half when Raheem Sterling scored from the penalty spot after a handball from Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho.

It was the 100th Premier League goal in Sterling’s career and was enough to put the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea, which both kicked off later, although both won their respective games.

Liverpool remained in second place, with Chelsea another point back in third.

“It’s a lovely achievement,” Sterling said about joining the 100-goal club. “Some fantastic players have been in there. I’m really honored to be in it now.”

Steven Gerrard, the long-time Liverpool captain, was back at his boyhood club in a professional capacity for the first time since leaving in 2015, and was given a standing ovation when he entered the field for the game.

“It was always going to be an emotional one. Everyone on the outside can understand that,” Gerrard said. “I very much appreciate the support and the bond I still have with Liverpool fans, but I think that’s normal because I had so many years here.”

Gerrard’s defensive tactics nearly paid off as Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez frustrated Liverpool until Tyrone Mings pulled down Salah in the 67th minute, and the Egypt forward converted his 15th consecutive successful penalty.

Villa appealed for a late penalty of their own when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson flapped at a loose ball after a mix-up with Joel Matip and appeared to bring down Danny Ings, but the referee waved play on.

There were three penalties in total at Stamford Bridge, as Raphinha put Leeds ahead from the spot in the first half. Mason Mount leveled for Chelsea before Raphinha conceded the hosts’ first penalty by scything down Toni Rudiger.

Leeds thought they had earned a point after teenage forward Joe Gelhardt climbed off the bench to level at 2-2 in the 83rd minute, but Rudiger then won Chelsea’s second penalty in injury time, when fouled by Mateusz Klich.

“We deserved to win but of course it’s lucky when you have a late goal in injury time,” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said. “But coming back twice is very impressive and I’m very happy we turned things around.”(SD-Agencies)