A baker’s dozen for unstoppable Man City

MANCHESTER: David Silva scored a late goal as runaway leaders Manchester City won their 13th successive Premier League game and restored their eight-point lead with a 2-1 victory against West Ham United yesterday.

Silva, converted Kevin de Bruyne’s brilliant pass from close range in the 83rd minute as City maintained their blistering form this season. Nicolas Otamendi had converted substitute Gabriel Jesus’s cross in the 57th minute to equalise after defender Angelo Ogbonna had headed West Ham into the most unlikely lead at the end of a first half in which the hosts dominated.

City have not lost a game since April, and face secondplace rivals Manchester United

pictured,

next Sunday. West Ham, who have won only twice all season, sit 19th – three points behind West Bromwich Albion in 17th.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s Charlie Austin was on target again as they drew 1-1 with south-coast rivals Bournemouth in the Premier League. Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser curled home the opener in the 42nd minute of an even first half after Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt, guilty of overplaying, was dispossessed by Joshua King.

Southampton began to dictate proceedings after the break and the in-form Austin restored parity with a smart finish from substitute Nathan Redmond’s low cross in the 61st minute. Austin, who has scored seven goals in his last 10 league starts, twice had chances to win it for Southampton while Bournemouth substitute Callum Wilson was unable to control a loose ball with the goal at his mercy.

After Austin’s double against Everton, Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino said the striker’s form would be crucial during December.

Yesterday, he was the most threatening player on the pitch, combining his physical presence with smart movement and incisive finishing.

“Going in at half-time 1-0 down we were not good enough in the first half but we stepped up in the second and looked like we were going to nick it,” Austin told Sky Sports.

“Instead, it’s a point away from home going into a big December. I should have scored a near-post header but these things happen. I was still in the right place at the right time.

“I’ve just got to score goals, work hard and help us win games. We’ve got a lot of big games coming up.”

Bournemouth were aggrieved not to receive a penalty when Adam Smith was booked for diving despite apparent contact from Sofiane Boufal. Instead, referee Jon Moss issued a yellow card but he later admitted getting the decision wrong.

“I spoke to him after and he apologised and said it was a penalty,” Smith said. If we had got the penalty maybe we would have gone and scored another one. But we got a point and need to look forward now.”

Southampton climb one place to 11th with 17 points. – Reuters