Man City back into second after late winner

Fernandinho’s 89th-minute goal takes reigning champions above Arsenal; Southampton hold Tottenham.

Manchester City v Aston Villa - Premier League
Aguero scored City's opener in the third minute [Getty Images]

Manchester City leapt back into second in the English Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win at home to Aston Villa, after the hosts had squandered a two-goal lead.

Top-scorers

21 Sergio Aguero (Man City)
20 Harry Kane (Tottenham)
19 Diego Costa (Chelsea)
17 Charlie Austin (QPR)
14 Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
     Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

It was Fernandinho’s 89th minute strike that helped the reigning champions leapfrog Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for Champions League football next season, with the pair both playing home matches on Sunday.

Earlier, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described his side as ‘outstanding’ despite a goalless draw away to West Brom which dents their hopes of a top-four finish.

Liverpool’s season now looks to be heading towards a disappointing conclusion with defeat to Aston Villa in the semi-final of the FA Cup last weekend at Wembley ending their hopes of winning silverware this season.

Hull City, in 16th, secured a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace but remained only one point above the relegation zone while Newcastle United lost 3-2 at home to Swansea City, their seventh straight league defeat.

Results:

Southampton 2-2 Tottenham

Burnley 0-1 Leicester

Crystal Palace 0-2 Hull

Newcastle 2-3 Swansea

QPR 0-0 West Ham

Stoke 1-1 Sunderland

West Brom 0-0 Liverpool

Man City 3-2 Aston Villa

Source: Reuters