MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 16:34:03| >> :60:3243:3243:

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.

ID:18582: cacheID:18582:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3093:
Written by
Liam Apicella
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mario Balotelli
Read Next:
Mancini to drop Balotelli at Bolton
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!