Manchester City restore 10-point lead, Manchester United keep ahead of Leicester City

Manchester City restored their 10-point lead at the top of the 2020/2021 English Premier League (EPL) after they won 1-0 at Arsenal on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

The win helped them to extend their record winning streak to 18 matches.

Raheem Sterling headed Manchester City in front to maintain their advantage over Manchester United and Leicester City, who both recorded victories.

West Ham are fourth after a 2-1 London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur, who remain ninth.

Sterling gave Manchester City the lead after just two minutes when he headed Riyad Mahrez’s cross home, and although Arsenal improved, they could not find the equaliser.

“We knew today would be one of the toughest ones but we scored early and we could control it,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said.

“Every game you are not going to win games 2-0, 3-0, 4-0. Sometimes when you win 1-0, it is so good. We have to realise what we are doing is so difficult.

“It is a struggle, a fight, behind the ball and that is why we like this result.”

Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals as Manchester United beat Newcastle 3-1 to keep their noses in front of Leicester City.

James Maddison and Harvey Barnes scored the goals as Brendan Rodgers’ side kept their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes alive.

Maddison opened the scoring on 19 minutes and Barnes added the second five minutes later as Leicester City took control early on.

Bertrand Traore pulled one back for Aston Villa early in the second half, but Leicester City held on for the 2-1 win to leave Aston Villa eighth.

“There’s a greater calmness,” Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said of his side.

“We’re playing some great football, but at times you have to dig in and have spirit, and we are able to do that.”

West Ham moved into the top four after they beat London rivals Tottenham 2-1 in the day’s early match.

Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead after five minutes and Jesse Lingard added a second two minutes into the second half.

Lucas Moura pulled one back but though Gareth Bale and Son Heung Min hit the woodwork, West Ham held on to go fourth, while Spurs remain ninth.

“It is a great result for us,” West Ham manager David Moyes said.

“Today we felt it was a big, big task. Tottenham are one of the top sides and have fantastic players. For us to get a result and keep our momentum going is really good.

Antonio capitalised on a mistake by Hugo Lloris to put West Ham in front and Lingard’s goal was allowed to stand after a consultation with video assistant referee over offside.

Tottenham brought on Bale at half-time and the Wales forward had an impact, sending in the corner-kick for Moura’s goal and then smashing the crossbar late on.

Spurs manager Jose Mourinho rued his side’s defensive errors but said things were not as bad as they seemed.

“I wouldn’t say crisis,” he said after their fifth defeat in six Premier League matches.

“I would say a bad, a really bad, run of results. That is obvious. We’re losing too many matches.”

“In the Europa League we are alive,” he said. “It’s a window of opportunity that is open for us. Maybe we can also get to the Champions League through the Europa League.”(dpa/NAN)

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