On-target Sterling keeps City machine in top gear

The Manchester City winning machine ploughed on relentlessly with a 1-0 Premier League defeat of Arsenal courtesy of Raheem Sterling’s goal after 75 seconds yesterday.

Sterling’s close-range header from Riyad Mahrez’s cross caught Arsenal cold and was enough for City to claim an 18th successive win in all competitions and preserve their 10-point lead.

The visitors dominated possession and created numerous chances but were unable to kill off Arsenal, although City keeper Ederson was rarely called into action.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the attacking duo of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes as they both got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa yesterday.

Winger Barnes set up Maddison to score before netting the second goal himself midway through the first half and though Villa pulled a goal back, Leicester never really looked like conceding another, which pleased their manager.

“I was absolutely delighted. I thought some of our football and the speed of our game was really, really good.”

West Ham United claimed fourth spot in the Premier League as goals early in each half by Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard earned them a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

Their seventh win in their last nine league games moved West Ham two points above Chelsea in their mounting challenge for a Champions League spot, while Spurs have slumped to ninth.