Lescott fires Man City back top

Joleon Lescott’s second half strike was enough as Manchester City returned back to the top of the table following a hard fought 1-0 away victory against Aston Villa in their Barclays Premier League encounter on Sunday.

The English international defender netted the lone goal of the game in the 63^rd minute as the Sky Blues recorded only their second victory from their last seven matches on the road at Villa Park.

Roberto Mancini’s side victory, their 19^th of the campaign saw them move back to the top of the table on 60-points, two points clear of bitter city rivals Manchester United who had briefly occupied top spot after their victory over Liverpool the day before.

The Italian was delighted that his side was able to walk out of the midlands with all three points following wins by their nearest challengers in Man Utd and Tottenham just 24 hours earlier.

“We were there (at the top) from August because we deserved this. It was a difficult game. We knew this before the game but the guys played fantastic football,” Mancini said on Sky Sports after the game

Whilst it was a hard fought victory by Man City their beaten opponents in Aston Villa remain without a home win since early November and placed more pressure on under fire manager Alex McLeish with the midlands club only seven points clear of the relegation zone.

In the other Barclays Premier League match played overnight a Peter Odemwingie hat trick ensured West Bromwich Albion moved further away from the danger zone with a well deserved 5-1 away victory over the relegation threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Four second half goals ensured the Baggies of all three points in the Black County derby after the scores had been locked at one apiece at the interval at the Molineux Stadium.

The victory saw Roy Hodgson’s side move eight points clear of the 18^th place Wolves whose 14^th league loss of the season, their eighth at home saw even more pressure placed on their already under-fire manager Mick McCarthy.