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Manchester City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Man City 2-0 Bolton
© PA Photos
Manchester City open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table by defeating Bolton Wanderers 2-0.

Manchester City opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

Hosting City could have been three goals up within the opening five minutes. First Samir Nasri saw a shot blocked by David Wheater, then Mario Balotelli struck the post after collecting possession from Yaya Toure.

Balotelli had another chance moments later, but he sent Adam Johnson's low cross wide of goal.

The deadlock was finally broken by the home side in the 23rd minute. Full-back Gael Clichy struck an effort from distance which beat goalkeeper Adam Bogdan courtesy of a deflection off Wanderers defender Gretar Steinsson.

Young winger Ryo Miyaichi had Bolton's best chance of the half in the 43rd minute, but his rising effort was tipped over by Joe Hart.

City continued to dominate after the restart, with Balotelli forcing Bogdan into low save in the 53rd minute.

Bogdan was beaten by his own teammate just before the hour mark, but thankfully for Bolton Darren Pratley's attempted clearance cannoned back off the crossbar before being cleared to safety.

Balotelli put the match beyond Bolton's reach in the 69th minute, flicking a cross from England international Johnson past Bogdan from close range.

Despite dominating for the remainder of the match, City were unable to extend their lead further.

City have now won 14 consecutive home games in the Premier League.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Chelsea371791175621360
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371761481602157
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd37176145558-357
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371212135560-548
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


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