Man City back atop Premier League after beating Tottenham 1-0

Manchester City moved back atop the Premier League by beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Monday.

Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal at Wembley Stadium as City jumped above Liverpool, who went three points clear on Saturday, on goal difference.

It was the sixth consecutive clean sheet in the league for the defending champions, who've conceded just three times in 10 games.

Most of the pre-match talk centred on the pitch at Wembley, which was churned up by an American football game on Sunday.

But it wasn't a factor in the goal as Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier misjudged a long kick from City keeper Ederson and was beaten to the ball by Raheem Sterling.

The City winger carried it into the area before crossing for Mahrez to slot home from close range in the sixth minute.

Mahrez dedicated the goal to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the owner of his former club Leicester City who died in a helicopter crash on Saturday.

“It has been very, very difficult for me,” Mahrez told Sky Sports. “The boss was very special to me.

"I spent four and a half years there and have many memories with him. He was such a good person.

“I am very, very sad. That is why when I scored I put my hands in the sky for him.

"He did a lot for me and Leicester and it is difficult to speak about.”

Mahrez later had a shot pushed onto the post by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, while Harry Kane was played in down the other end to be done in by a poor touch.

City's David Silva was alone in front of goal in the second half but passed to Sterling, whose shot was blocked.

Tottenham then wasted a great opportunity to equalize with 10 minutes left as Erik Lamela shot over goal from near the penalty spot after being set up by Dele Alli.

The loss keeps Spurs in fifth place, five points behind City and Liverpool.

"I think we deserved more, we worked very hard, and we had a good opportunity but unfortunately we missed it so it’s frustrating,” Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld said.

"I have to be honest, the pitch wasn’t good.

"Both teams like to play out from the back and to play football in these circumstances, it was very difficult."