Kevin De Bruyne’s Four-Goal Masterclass Inches Man City Closer to Premier League Title

A day after Manchester City confirmed its summer signing of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne was quick to remind all that the club already has a stockpile of world-class stars.

De Bruyne netted a first-half hat trick vs. Wolves, scoring in the seventh, 16th and 24th minutes at the Molineux Stadium—before adding a fourth on the hour mark—to put Man City in control and on course for three vital points in the Premier League title race. City entered the day level on points with Liverpool following the Reds’ come-from-behind win at Aston Villa on Monday. City had a game in hand and an edge in goal differential, though, and it made the most of its opportunity Tuesday, with the Belgian maestro on the finishing end repeatedly at part of a 5–1 triumph.

The first three goals were scored with his left foot, and De Bruyne’s celebration after his third appeared to be a nod to Haaland, who often celebrates his goals in a similar fashion.

De Bruyne nearly scored a fifth, too, ratting the left post with another left-footed blast in the 89th minute.

With the win, City restores its three-point edge over Liverpool in the race for the title with two games remaining. Liverpool returns to Premier League play next Tuesday following the FA Cup final vs. Chelsea this weekend, with Man City having the chance to go as many as six points clear Sunday at West Ham before Liverpool plays its next league match.

City is going in search of its fourth Premier League title in five seasons, with Liverpool the only other club to win a league trophy in that time.