City’s simple equation: Beat United, win title

Now it’s on for Manchester City to win the English Premier League in the sweetest way possible: Victory over Manchester United in next weekend’s derby will seal the trophy for Pep Guardiola’s runway leader.

Not even Alex Ferguson managed to clinch any of his 13 titles for United by beating the neighbours. Even more incredibly, City can secure their third title since 2012 with six games to spare thanks to the Manchester rivals both winning yesterday.

Alexis Sanchez scored after setting up Romelu Lukaku’s opener as United beat Swansea 2-0.

City then blitzed Everton, with Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling scoring inside the first 37 minutes in a 3-1 victory at Everton.

‘‘We were clinical especially in the first half. Everybody committed to win the game. Now it is one more game and we will be champions,’’ Guardiola said.

United’s hopes of a first title since Ferguson retired in 2013 evaporated before the season reached its midway point. Holding onto second place will be a sign of progress, though, under Jose Mourinho.

Liverpool remained two points behind United - having played an additional game - after Mohamed Salah completed a comeback to win 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

It is unlikely that West Bromwich Albion will still be in the league next season, remaining 10 points from safety in last place after losing to 2-1 to Burnley thanks to Chris Wood’s 73rd minute match-winner. Southampton lost a crucial relegation battle to West Ham 3-0.

Palace remained two points above the drop zone, a point below Huddersfield, who lost to Newcastle 1-0. Swansea, like Huddersfield, are only three points clear of the bottom three.

Leicester are chasing a Europa League spot, beating Brighton 2-0 to stay three points behind seventhplace Burnley.

The comfort of mid-table continued for Watford and Bournemouth after their 2-2 draw.