Dzeko strike sends City second

An 88th-minute winner from substitute Edin Dzeko gave defending champions Manchester City a 2-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday that took them up to second place in the Premier League. Roberto Mancini’s side trailed to Steven Caulker’s 21st-minute opener but drew level through Sergio Aguero in the second half before Dzeko struck late on to close the gap on leaders Manchester United to two points. The visitors successfully marshalled City’s attacking players in the opening stages at the Etihad Stadium and went ahead in the 21st minute when Caulker met Tom Huddlestone’s free-kick with a header that Joe Hart fumbled over the line. Huddlestone came within inches of extending the visitors’ lead with a crisp drive, but City felt they should have been awarded penalties for an apparent William Gallas handball and a block by Huddlestone on Pablo Zabaleta. Carlos Tevez and Zabaleta both tested Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel in the minutes prior to half-time, before Aguero drew the hosts level in the 65th minute. UTD RALLY TO WIN Half-time substitute Javier Hernandez scored twice and made another as Manchester United came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Aston Villa on Saturday and pull four points clear in the Premier League. “It was an absolutely magnificent result for us,” coach Alex Ferguson said.