By Daily Sports on February 7, 2019

Champions Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League for the first time since 16 December after edging to victory against Everton at Goodison Park.

Defender Aymeric Laporte met David Silva’s free-kick to head home his fourth goal of the season, putting City in front just before half-time.

Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling both spurned decent opportunities to extend City's lead after the break before Gabriel Jesus sealed victory in stoppage time.

The win means Pep Guardiola’s side move ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, albeit having played one game more.

It was far from a vintage display by City, who instead had to show their battling qualities to secure the points and regain the initiative in the title race.

Attention will now switch back to Liverpool, who can return to the summit with victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, 24 hours before City host Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

Everton stay ninth after suffering a fourth defeat in five Premier League games at Goodison Park, though they should take some encouragement from a resilient display that was a notable improvement on their performances in recent weeks.

Advantage City as title race takes latest twist

Just seven days ago, Manchester City faced the prospect of falling seven points behind leaders Liverpool after slipping to a fourth Premier League defeat of the season against Newcastle the previous evening. Failure to score that second goal ensured a nervy finish, though Everton, despite all their effort, failed to truly test Ederson in the Manchester City goal.

Victory was sealed seconds from full-time – Jesus heading home at the second attempt after Jordan Pickford had done well to block his initial shot.

The result puts further pressure on Liverpool who, after a near-flawless campaign so far, have started to show signs of fallibility in recent weeks as they chase a first league title for 29 years.

Three successive league victories have also pushed Tottenham back in contention. Mauricio Pochettino's side are just five points behind the top two and still have to visit Anfield and Etihad Stadium before the end of the season. (BBC)

•Photo shows Manchester City players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 7, 2019

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