MANCHESTER, England (AP) ― After trailing for most of the season, Manchester City is set to be in first place when it matters most.
City scored four goals in the final 26 minutes to rout Aston Villa 4-0 Wednesday night, moving into position to win its second Premier League title in three years with only a draw this weekend.
Edin Dzeko scored from close range in the 64th and 72nd minutes, Stevan Jovetic added a goal in the 89th and Yaya Toure capped the victory by scoring on a solo run in the third minute of stoppage time.
City (26-6-5) moved two points ahead of Liverpool (25-6-6) and led for just the 11th day since the season began Aug. 17 ― compared to 59 days for Liverpool, 64 for third-place Chelsea and 128 for fourth-place Arsenal, according to STATS.
City hosts West Ham on Sunday, the season’s final day, and Liverpool is home against Newcastle. City has a goal difference 13 better than Liverpool’s after reaching 100 league goals.
“In the way we play, I am very happy to win the title this way,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini, speaking as if the trophy already was City’s.
“There are different ways to win titles ― I choose this one with attractive football. ... Maybe you can win titles other ways. For me, the aesthetic part is very important.”
