Manchester City on Wednesday night struck an important blow in their pursuit of a second successive Premier League title with a convincing derby victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Pep Guardiola’s side knew anything but a win would leave Liverpool at the top of the table and in charge of their own destiny with only three games left.

City were anxious in a goalless first 45 minutes but turned up the heat after the break to take them one point clear at the top of the table.

They have played the same number of games as Liverpool, performing with control and composure to eventually outclass United.

Bernardo Silva’s low drive went inside United keeper David de Gea’s near post after 54 minutes and the keeper was at fault again when Leroy Sane’s drive went straight through him.

Liverpool must now respond at home to relegated Huddersfield Town at Anfield on Friday, while City travel to Burnley on Sunday.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday night, Arsenal missed the chance to go fourth in the Premier League as they were outplayed by Wolves at Molineux.

Ruben Neves put the hosts ahead with a direct free-kick from 25 yards before Matt Doherty headed in a second.

Diogo Jota added a third just before half-time after the Gunners gave the ball away and he ran at the away defence before firing a shot under goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Arsenal defender Sokratis headed in from Granit Xhaka's corner in the 80th minute but it was not enough for the Gunners.

The victory takes Wolves up from 10th to seventh, while Arsenal remain fifth, one point adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea and four behind north London rivals Tottenham.

With three games left of the season, Wolves are in contention to qualify for Europe.

If Manchester City beat Watford in the FA Cup final the team finishing seventh in the Premier League will take the last available European spot and enter next season’s Europa League at the second qualifying round phase.

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