Manchester City returned to the top of the table thanks to Joleon Lescott's goal as they edged to a 1-0 win at mediocre Aston Villa.
------------------------------------------------------------
Bet on world football at Sky Bet
------------------------------------------------------------
City were also indebted to Joe Hart who, despite having little to do throughout the 90 minutes, made a superb stoppage-time save to deny Darren Bent an undeserved equaliser.
Alex McLeish included Emile Heskey, Robbie Keane and Bent in his starting line-up but his Villa side were still set up to play for a goalless draw from the first whistle and, as a result, the first half was a non-event.
The home side created nothing in the first 45 minutes apart from a tame Richard Dunne header which was easily dealt with by Hart, while City also looked a long way from their best although Adam Johnson did strike a post with a low drive.
Alan Hutton was also forced to clear Sergio Aguero's effort away from close to his own goal-line but the first half was a largely forgettable affair.
The match did improve in the second 45 minutes with former Wolves and Everton defender Lescott grabbing the all-important goal in the 63rd minute.
Ex-Villa stalwart Gareth Barry headed a corner back into the danger area from the back post and Lescott was on hand to slam the ball home from just five yards out.
Villa struggled to break out of their shackles despite being a goal behind until the last five minutes when they almost forced an equaliser.
An unmarked Carlos Cuellar headed over the bar from eight yards out before Hart somehow clawed Bent's last-gasp effort away from his goal to preserve City's narrow lead.
*** (91)
