Manchester City have kept their slim hopes of retaining the Premier League alive courtesy of a 1-0 win over Aston Villa this evening.

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The hosts almost took a shock lead midway through the first half when Christian Benteke met a corner with a powerful header, but Carlos Tevez was on hand to clear it off the line.

City began to dominate as the first period wore on, and came within inches of breaking the deadlock when Pablo Zabaleta's drilled effort was tipped onto the post by Brad Guzan.

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Guzan kept the scores level again soon afterwards, keeping out Tevez's curling effort after the Argentine had made space for himself to shoot on the edge of the box.

The Villa keeper could do nothing about City's opener, however. Ciaran Clark was caught in possession by Edin Dzeko, who raced through on goal before unselfishly squaring the ball to Tevez, who dummied a shot before slotting his side ahead.

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Dzeko and Tevez almost linked up to provide a second for the champions 10 minutes after the restart. Again, Dzeko stole the ball off a Villa man before finding Tevez, who held off two defenders before firing at goal, only for Clark to clear it off the line.

Matthew Lowton came close with an ambitious effort with just under 25 minutes left on the clock, but his powerful shot swerved wide of Joe Hart's goal.

The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, but City held out to move back within 12 points of Manchester United.