City have to dig deep to continue winning streak

MANCHESTER City maintained their stunning start to the season to move closer to the Champions League knockout stages with a hard-fought victory over Napoli.

Early goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus paved the way for a 2-1 success over the Serie A leaders at the Etihad Stadium.

The win was City’s third in Group F and took them six points clear of the Italians, the side expected to be their closest challengers, ahead of their return meeting at the San Paolo Stadium later this month.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side were made to dig deep for what was their 10th successive win in all competitions as Napoli fought back after a poor start.

It all seemed comfortable enough for City early on as they began in the same vein that saw them sweep aside Stoke 7-2 last weekend.

Sterling opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season after nine minutes and Jesus added a second, from yet another sublime Kevin De Bruyne pass, soon after.

De Bruyne then hit the bar and Jesus had another effort blocked on the line by Kalidou Koulibaly after beating goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Napoli then finally stirred into action, creating a number of chances and winning two penalties. Ederson saved the first spot-kick from Dries Mertens but could not deny Amadou Diawara. It also took a brilliant sliding block from John Stones to prevent Marek Hamsik finding the net.

City boss Guardiola, who described Napoli as one of Europe’s three best footballing sides ahead of the game, felt his side achieved a notable result.

He said: “They are one of the best teams I have ever faced as a professional, as a player, as a trainer.”