Story highlights
A first-half header from Edin Dzeko gives Manchester City a 1-0 victory at Wigan
The result sees City go three points clear of Manchester United in Premier League
Wigan remain bottom of the table, although they are only two points away from safety
Napoli fail to close the gap in Italian Serie A after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Bologna
Manchester City have gone three points clear at the top of the English Premier League after Edin Dzeko’s first-half header proved enough to give them a 1-0 win at bottom club Wigan.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, Bosnian striker Dzeko provided the one moment of quality, flicking David Silva’s 22nd minute free-kick into the bottom corner of Wigan’s net.
It was Dzeko’s first goal in 11 matches and provided the difference between the two sides, who are separated by the entire length of the table.
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Dzeko’s strike partner Sergio Aguero missed two clear chances to double City’s lead, one which followed a mazy run which saw him beat a host of Wigan defenders before Dzeko got in his way as he was about to shoot.
At the other end, England goalkeeper Joe Hart was alert to keep out James McArthur’s snap-shot with his feet.
City are on 51 points from their 21 games, three ahead of champions Manchester United and five clear of third-placed Tottenham, whom they entertain next weekend.
Wigan remain rooted to the bottom of the table on 15 points, but they are just two points away from safety.
Meanwhile, Napoli failed to significantly close the gap on the leading teams in Italy’s Serie A after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bologna.
Despite the home side enjoying most of the early pressure, it was Bologna who broke away to take a 14th minute lead.
Nico Pulzetti’s through ball split the Napoli defense and Robert Acquafresca was left alone to confidently slot past goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
But Napoli’s pressure finally told when they were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes remaining after Diego Perez was adjudged to have handled the ball just inside the area.
Bologna were incensed by the decision but Edinson Cavani held his nerve to smash home the spot-kick.
The result means Napoli remain sixth in the table, 10 points behind leaders Juventus, while Bologna are down in 16th position, just two places above the relegation zone.
