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RAHEEM STERLING showed his importance to Manchester City with a dazzling show to put them clear at the top of the table.

Sources close to the England ace says he has 'verbally agreed' a new deal worth around £275,000 a week.

Leroy Sane fizzed in this effort that took a deflection off Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt
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Leroy Sane fizzed in this effort that took a deflection off Southampton defender Wesley HoedtCredit: AFP
Leroy Sane's skills saw Southampton make their first mistake and it was 1-0 on five minutes
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Leroy Sane's skills saw Southampton make their first mistake and it was 1-0 on five minutesCredit: Reuters

But they may want to go back to the negotiating table after he scored two and had a hand in THREE others in another emphatic win for the champions.

Liverpool's draw with Arsenal on Saturday evening had given City a chance to put clear daylight between them and their nearest rivals.

And within 18 minutes the champions pretty much had the points sewn up after a blistering start and three goals.

Just six minutes had gone when Leroy Sane pulled the ball back from the left and Wesley Hoedt blasted into the roof of his own net.

Sergio Aguero did what he does best, scoring, and Man City were two ahead
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Sergio Aguero did what he does best, scoring, and Man City were two aheadCredit: Reuters
Sergio Aguero scored his 150th goal in the rout as Southampton were put to the sword
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Sergio Aguero scored his 150th goal in the rout as Southampton were put to the swordCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero becomes just third player in Premier League history to score 150 goals for one club

It wasn't long until the second arrived as Bernardo and Raheem Sterling combined to set up Sergio Aguero for his 150th Premier League goal.

And Sterling was again the provider as his cross was nodded on by Jack Stephens into the path of David Silva who hammered home from close range.

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Saints boss Mark Hughes was on the wrong end of a 7-2 hiding the last time he returned to his old club just over a year ago.

At least he had something to smile about when Danny Ings just beat Ederson to the ball and was upended by the sliding Brazilian.

David Silva's rocket put the champions firmly in the driving seat at 3-0
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David Silva's rocket put the champions firmly in the driving seat at 3-0Credit: Reuters
The Spaniard was simply unplayable as he orchestrated things all around the park
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The Spaniard was simply unplayable as he orchestrated things all around the parkCredit: Reuters
The pressure on Mark Hughes has increased after their Etihad thrashing
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The pressure on Mark Hughes has increased after their Etihad thrashingCredit: AFP

INTERACTIVE STATS - CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared 

The former Liverpool forward picked himself up to score from the spot - the first Premeir League goal City have conceded since September 1.

For a few minutes it looked like it could still be a contest but City added a fourth in first half stoppage time as Aguero dispossessed Cedric Soares by the touchline.

He rolled it back for Sterling whose poor first touch seemed to fool Ryan Bertrand and from there he had time to blast beneath Alex McCarthy.

Saints knew the game was up but had a go after the break with Ederson spilling a James Ward Prowse shot but picking himself up to block the rebound from Ings.

Danny Ings scored from the penalty spot after Ryan Bertrand was felled by Ederson
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Danny Ings scored from the penalty spot after Ryan Bertrand was felled by EdersonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Raheem Sterling then decided to get on the scoring charts and netted two minutes into first-half injury-time for 4-1
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Raheem Sterling then decided to get on the scoring charts and netted two minutes into first-half injury-time for 4-1Credit: Reuters

INTERACTIVE LINE-UPS– CLICK on a player’s number below to see their stats

The former Benfica keeper then made another smart stop to keep out a glancing header from Ings.

But the home side always looked capable of adding to their tally and Sane's thumping effort beat McCarthy but smacked the outside of the far post.

It was only a temporary reprieve for Sparky's men as Sterling played a part in the build up then latched onto Aguero's pass to lash home number five.

In injury-time came goal number six.

Sub Phil Foden laid the ball back off to Sterling who unselfishly teed up Sane to score from edge of box - although McCarthy should have done better.

Watch all the latest Premier League action from our Sunday 4th November round-up
Raheem Sterling capped a superb performance by banging in No5 for Man City
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Raheem Sterling capped a superb performance by banging in No5 for Man CityCredit: PA:Press Association
Leroy Sane got the goal his energetic performance deserved and wrapped up the thrashing
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Leroy Sane got the goal his energetic performance deserved and wrapped up the thrashingCredit: Reuters
Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling were simply too hot for Southampton to handle
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Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling were simply too hot for Southampton to handleCredit: Reuters
Saturday Round-Up - Watch all the Premier League action from Saturday 3rd November
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