Dzeko swoops to sink Eagles

MANCHESTER City gave another indication that winning without being at their best is the hallmark of champions as they saw off struggling Crystal Palace by a solitary goal at the Etihad Stadium.

With Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo among the most notable members of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad to be rested from the starting line–up, City still had enough to preserve their 100-per-cent home record.

It temporarily took City to the top of the Premier League table for the first time this season.

“It was very important to keep persevering,” said City defender Matija Nastasic. “We only played against Liverpool two days before and Crystal Palace defended very well. It was a problem to score but eventually we got the goal.”

City won Saturday’s game thanks to Edin Dzeko’s 50th goal for the club in the 50th minute. He pounced after latching on to Jesus Navas’s smart cut-back.

Even after that, the visitors continued to press forward and it took a fine save from Joe Hart to turn away a dipping volley from Joel Ward that was heading for the bottom corner.

City’s New Year’s Day assignment is a trip to Swansea City for a 12.45pm kick-off.