Champions Manchester City recorded a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Reading yesterday. The Citizens were frustrated for most of the game by a resilient display from the visitors defence.

The Royals had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the second half, when Jay Tabb appeared to be brought down in the area by young defender Karim Rekik.

However, it was City that opened the scoring in injury-time, Gareth Barry heading home David Silva’s cross to secure the victory for City. The victory moved City three points behind arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League table.

Elsewhere, Everton moved up to fourth with a 2-1 victory at West Ham, as both teams ended the game with ten men. Everton had an early Leon Osman goal controversially disallowed. In the 14^th minute the home side capitalised on that misfortune.

Carlton Cole got away from Johnny Heitinga and fired a low shot past Tim Howard from the edge of the penalty area. The visitors equalised in the 64^th minute, as Victor Anichebe headed home from Steven Pienaar’s cross.

Carlton Cole was dismissed in the 67^th minute for raising his studs and catching Leighton Baines. The Toffees took the lead on 73 minutes. Leon Osman cut the ball back to Steven Pienaar, who somehow bundled the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen in the home goal.

Everton were reduced to ten men in injury-time, as midfielder Darron Gibson saw red for a high tackle on Mark Noble. Everton hung on for victory though for three very crucial points.

Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory at Wigan in the early kick-off. The only goal of the game came in the 60^th minute. Theo Walcott was brought down in the penalty area by Jean Beausejour and Mikel Arteta scored from the resulting spot kick.

Other Premier League Results:

Newcastle 1-0 QPR

Southampton 0-1 Sunderland

West Brom 2-1

Tottenham 0-0 Stoke

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham

Did Manchester City deserve to beat Reading?