Reuters, Manchester

England forward Raheem Sterling’s 100th Premier League goal was enough to earn leaders Manchester City a 1-0 win over 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Wolves were doing a fine job of frustrating City in the opening period before striker Raul Jimenez’s dismissal for two yellow cards in quick succession in first-half stoppage time changed the complexion of the game.

City dominated the second half as a result, edging in front through Sterling’s penalty - a decision that required a lengthy VAR check - in the 66th minute.

Sterling slotted the penalty down the middle, becoming the 32nd player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

“(It) is a lovely achievement,” Sterling told BT Sport. “There are some fantastic players in that list. I’m really honoured to be in it now. “We knew we (City) had to keep patient. They kept it really tight, but we knew if we kept playing we’d get an opportunity -and we did.”

The home side had plenty of chances to make the result more comfortable, with Jack Grealish’s struggles since becoming the British record transfer in the close season continuing as he missed from close range.

However, one goal proved enough for City who picked up their sixth successive league win to move four points clear of Liverpool, who host Aston Villa later on Saturday, at the top of the standings.

Wolves, who battled hard as decisions went against them at the Etihad Stadium, stay eighth on 21 from 16 games.

The game hinged on one moment of madness. Wolves looked comfortable going into the interval before Jimenez’s needless dismissal gave City the lift they needed.

The Mexico international received his first yellow card for a foul on midfielder Rodri and 31 seconds later got another for blocking Rodri’s free-kick having not retreated enough.