Manchester City's Erling Haaland struck four times as they remained on course to win a fourth successive Premier League title with a 5-1 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Hours after Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola's men responded with a resounding victory that pulled them to within a point of the North Londoners at the top of the standings, but with a game in hand.

Haaland -- who boosted his league scoring lead to 25 with the first four-goal haul of his career -- converted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and doubled City's lead in the 35th when he headed home at the far post from Rodri's cross.

The 23-year-old Norwegian converted again from the spot just before halftime. Hwang Hee-chan pulled one back for Wolves in the 53rd. But a minute later, Haaland smothered any hopes of a comeback by the visitors with his fourth. Substitute Julian Alvarez completed City's scoring in the 85th.

Mail Sport's Jack Gaughan rated the players. 

Man City striker Erling Haaland scored four against Wolves to take his tally to 36 this season

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)

Ederson - 6

Daft goalkeeping – wafting a hand at a harmless cross – gifted Wolves a goal back after half time. Then completed a stunning pass to open the game up so City could score.

Kyle Walker - 7

Flew forward from right back and gave Wolves real problems when doubling up with Bernardo Silva in the final third.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Steady Eddie at the back once again and yet more proof as to why Pep Guardiola picks him every week. Solid in possession.

Nathan Ake - 7

Generally comes to the fore towards the end of seasons and this was largely another calm display from Mr Dependable.

Josko Gvardiol - 8

Really relishes City’s slight tactical tweak that allows him to stay high and wide. Looking more and more dangerous in attacking areas.

Rodri – 9

One mistake but imperious. Very strong breaking up of play to set City on their way for Erling Haaland’s second.

Mateo Kovacic - 8

Measured and does his job with minimal fuss. Lovely through ball for Haaland in the build-up to the second penalty.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Seemed livelier than he has in recent weeks. A box of tricks on the right-hand side and his timing of pass was on point.

Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5

Dangerous every time the ball was under his spell. One of those days when he could have ended up with multiple assists.

Phil Foden - 9

Keeps threatening to score a wonder goal when slaloming through challenges. Bright in the pockets and takes defenders with him. Top assist for Haaland’s fourth.

Erling Haaland – 9.5

Top header for the second. Eye-catching burst of pace in winning the second penalty. A beauty for his fourth. Thirty-six goals in what has been described as an average season.

Subs

John Stones (for Ake, 69) – 6.5, Jeremy Doku (for Silva, 80), Jack Grealish (for Foden, 80), Matheus Nunes (for De Bruyne, 79), Julian Alvarez (for Haaland, 82)

Wolves (3-5-2)

Sa 6; Semedo 4.5, Kilman 5, Toti 5; Air-Nouri 5, Traore 5.5, Gomes 6, Lemina 5 (Bellegarde 46, 6), H Bueno 6 (S Bueno 71, 6); Hee-chan 6.5 (Chirewa 87), Cunha 5.5 (Sarabia 76)

Subs not used: Bentley, Doherty, Gonzalez, Okoduwa, Fraser

Referee: Craig Pawson 6