Johnson strike lifts Manchester City to second place

London, Sep 17 (DPA) A spectacular goal from Michael Johnson was enough to lift Manchester City to second place in the Premiership table as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at home.

Villa dominated long spells of the game, and the fallibility of City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel against the crossed ball was again exposed, but the visitors failed to take advantage and became the third away side to lose 1-0 at the City of Manchester Stadium this season.


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The winner, which arrived three minutes after half-time, was exquisite.

Johnson, who had scored a fine winner against Derby County earlier in the season, exchanged passes with Brazilian midfielder Elano, skipped by defender Marin Laursen, and steered his finish across Scott Carson.

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