Manchester City have closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to 12 points courtesy of a 2-1 away win over city rivals Manchester United this evening.

James Milner opens the scoring for City against United on April 8, 2013 © PA Photos

Robin van Persie came close to ending his barren spell of goals in the ninth minute when he flashed a shot just wide having linked up well with Wayne Rooney.

City should have taken the lead midway through the half when a deflected shot fell at the feet of Samir Nasri inside the box, but he put his shot wide from 10 yards out.

Carlos Tevez and Ryan Giggs battle for possession during the Manchester Derby on April 8, 2013 © PA Photos

United came within inches of breaking the deadlock right on the stroke of half time when Van Persie's flick found Rafael da Silva, but the full-back's strike deflected off the outside of the post.

It was City who eventually did find the opener, doing so six minutes after the restart when Ryan Giggs gifted the ball to Gareth Barry. The City midfielder played in Carlos Tevez and the ball eventually broke out to James Milner, who drilled his shot past David de Gea from the edge of the box.

City skipper Vincent Kompany scores an own goal during the Manchester Derby on April 8, 2013 © PA Photos

City were only ahead for seven minutes, however, as United equalised just before the hour mark. Van Persie's free kick eluded Joe Hart and Phil Jones was left with a simple finish. He almost made a mess of it, however, and was grateful to see it bounce in off Vincent Kompany for an own goal.

The visitors were back ahead 20 minutes later when Sergio Aguero made his way across the United penalty box before lashing a powerful shot past De Gea and into the roof of the net.

United couldn't find another equaliser late on as City claimed the bragging rights with a second consecutive win at Old Trafford.