An Edin Dzeko first half header was enough as Manchester City moved clear of its rivals at the top of the table following a hard fought 1-0 away victory over cellar dwellers Wigan Athletic in their Barclays Premier League encounter on Monday night.
Dzeko snapped an 11-game goal-less drought with a 22nd minute header which was enough to hand the Sky Blues all three points and a three-point lead at the top pf the table over their bitter city rivals and reigning champions Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini’s side who recorded their 16th league win of the season and their sixth from 11 matches away from home moved up to 51-points, three points ahead of Man Utd who for 48 hours were equal with their cross-town rivals after their 3-0 home win over the relegation threatened Bolton over the weekend.
The Italian was pleased that his side walked away from the DW Stadium with all three points as Man City now prepare to host the third place Tottenham on blockbuster Sunday.
“It was about the victory not the performance tonight,” Mancini said on Sky Sports 1.
“It was really important to win tonight. We knew that was difficult because Wigan this month have played very well and Roberto Martinez is a fantastic manager.”
“I was nervous when it was still 1-0 but that’s normal, every player and manager is nervous,” added Mancini whose side had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank as the English number one made a stunning save to maintain his side’s advantage.
The defeat, the Lactics 12th of the season leaves Roberto Martinez side propping up the table on 15-points, just two points adrift of safety.
Meanwhile the first major deal of the January Transfer Market has finally being completed with English international defender Gary Cahill completing his reported £7 million (AUS $10.3 million) move from Bolton to Chelsea.
The 26-year-old reportedly agreed on personal terms and signed a contract with the Blues following passing a medical at Stamford Bridge early on Monday.
“Chelsea is a massive club, it is a club that looks to win trophies season in season out and it is a big opportunity for me to be a part of that. Opportunities like this you can’t turn down,” Cahill admitted on the Blues official website.
Tagged with: Barclays Premier League, Blockbuster, Cellar Dwellers, City Rivals, Cross Town, Edin Dzeko, Game Goal, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, Man City, Manchester City, Minute Header, Personal Terms, Relegation, Roberto Mancini, Roberto Martinez, Sky Blues, Sky Sports, Stamford Bridge, Town Rivals