Manchester United’s top four bid suffered another blow as Southampton hit back to earn a 1-1 draw, while Manchester City thrashed Norwich 4-0 with Raheem Sterling bagging a hattrick.

Ralf Rangnick’s side took the lead through Jadon Sancho’s first Premier League goal at Old Trafford.

But, for the third consecutive game, United failed to build on their lead and were punished when Che Adams slotted in off the inside of the post two minutes into the second half.

United are level on points with fourth placed West Ham, but Arsenal are just a point behind with two games in hand, while Tottenham have played three fewer games and are four points back.

Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by Rangnick after being dropped to the bench for a disappointing 1-1 draw at struggling Burnley on Tuesday.

But Ronaldo’s goal-drought extended to six games as United produced yet another erratic performance.

Rangnick had to cope with more leaks in the press this week that the United players are unhappy with his coaching techniques.

At Goodison Park, Everton moved five points clear of the relegation zone with their first top-flight win under Frank Lampard.

Lampard’s side, who beat Brentford in the FA Cup in their new manager’s debut, took the lead in the 10th minute when Seamus Coleman met Donny van de Beek’s cross with a close-range header.

That landmark moment was followed by another rare goalscorer as Everton defender Michael Keane headed in from Anthony Gordon’s 23rd minute corner for just his second goal this term.

After suffering a damaging defeat at relegation rivals Newcastle in his first league game in charge, former Chelsea boss Lampard was able to celebrate three valuable points when Gordon got the final touch on Richarlison’s shot in the 78th minute.

Leeds are only one point above Everton after a third successive game without a win.

Second bottom Watford are deep in relegation trouble after a 2-0 defeat against Brighton in new boss Roy Hodgson’s first home game in charge.

Brighton struck in the 44th minute when Neal Maupay hooked a superb half-volley into the top corner from Tariq Lamptey’s cross.

Watford were booed off at half-time and there were more jeers at the final whistle after Adam Webster sealed the points from close-range after a goal-mouth scramble.

Watford have lost 10 of their last 12 games and are yet to score in three matches under Hodgson.

The Hornets remain three points from safety as Hodgson tries to mastermind another escape act, having previously saved Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Brom from relegation.

Brentford shared a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace as Christian Eriksen was introduced to Bees fans on the pitch before kick-off.

Denmark midfielder Eriksen is back in training and hopes to return to action soon for the first time since his cardiac arrest during a match against Finland at last year’s European Championship.

In the final game of the day Manchester City powered 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League as Raheem Sterling’s hat-trick inspired a 4-0 win against Norwich on Saturday.

Sterling put City ahead in the first half at Carrow Road and Phil Foden doubled the champions’ lead early in the second period.

England forward Sterling netted twice more in the closing stages to complete his seventh career treble.

Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last 15 league games, with 14 wins in that streak keeping them firmly on course to retain the title.

Second-placed Liverpool can close the gap to nine points if they win at struggling Burnley on Sunday in the first of their two games in hand on City.