GW 30 Premier League Takeaways: Sterling stole the show

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Gameweek 30 concluded when Arsenal handed Manchester United their first league defeat under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Raheem Sterling stole the show as Manchester City took the advantage at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Watford. There were several good performances elsewhere in the league.

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1104493621850578951

Sterling is repaying Pep’s faith

Sterling stole the show at the Etihad Stadium when he scored a hat-trick inside 13 minutes, it was a result that extended City’s lead at the top of the table to four points ahead of Liverpool. City’s No.7 has blossomed into a top player under the guidance of head coach Pep Guardiola. The England winger looks more assured now than at any point in his career. Sterling’s hat-trick takes his league goal-scoring tally to 15, three behind teammate Sergio Aguero. The best is yet to come from City’s highly-talented forward.

Spurs have to sort out their league form

Tottenham Hotspur left St Mary‘s empty-handed after surrendering a first-half lead. Spurs dominated the first half, but Southampton came out fighting after the interval. Jamie Ward-Prowse executed a well-taken free-kick to secure three points for the Saints. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have lost their last three league away games. A poor run of form means that Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all closing the gap on Spurs in third place.

Double delight for Brighton

Glenn Murray was an unlikely starter at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The veteran opened the scoring for Brighton, Murray’s 11th goal of the season helped Brighton to complete their first league double over Crystal Palace since the 1983/84 season. The result ties Palace and Brighton on 33 points, five points ahead of Cardiff City in the relegation zone.

There‘s still life in Cardiff

Cardiff City stopped a three-game skid with a fine 2-0 victory over West Ham to keep their Premier League survival hopes alive. Junior Hoilett and Victor Camarasa scored the important goals for Neil Warnock’s side. Cardiff’s win closes the gap to Burnley by two points. The relegation battle is as fiercely contested as the title race itself. West Ham’s defeat means they have given up ground to Wolves, in seventh place.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on March 10, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on March 10, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Jimenez on the mark again

Raul Jimenez is enjoying is football the English Top Flight. The Mexican forward scored his 12th goal of the season to secure a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Wolves have been one of the standout teams of the 2018/19 season. Chelsea controlled the game, but it took something special from Eden Hazard to rescue a point for Maurizio Sarri’s side.

Newcastle show their mettle

Newcastle United came from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. The Toffees were cruising at half-time, with a two-goal lead, but Rafa Benitez’s men turned on a second-half performance to behold. Salomon Rondon started the Newcastle revival on 65 minutes. Ayoze Perez scored a brace to cap off a fantastic second-half performance. Everton’s defeat means that they have picked up four points from six games.

Gameweek 30 produced some great individual and team performances in the Top Flight. Sterling stole the show for Manchester City, Guardiola‘s men are looking capable of a clean sweep in four competitions. Image the scenes at the Etihad if that was to happen.