Joleon Lescott scored the only goal of the game as Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory at Aston Villa this afternoon.

It was a match that visiting City dominated from the start and they created their first opportunity in the opening minute. David Silva found Sergio Aguero but the Argentine's shot was straight at Villa goalkeeper Shay Given.

The Irish keeper was called into action again in the 17th minute to hold a low strike from Spanish midfielder Silva.

City continued to press their hosts and went close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute through Adam Johnson. However, the England international's strike from 25 yards hit the base of the post before rebounding to safety.

The match followed a similar pattern after the restart as Roberto Mancini's side strived for the game's opening goal.

The first chance of the half fell to Lescott, but he headed Silva's free-kick over the crossbar.

Lescott was more accurate in the 62nd minute though, sending a half-volley past Given after Gareth Barry had knocked down James Milner's corner. It was the fifth time Lescott had found the net against Villa in his career.

The introduction of Stephen Ireland and Charles N'Zogbia gave Villa a greater attacking threat and it almost paid off in the final few minutes.

First Carlos Cuellar headed over from close range, before City keeper Joe Hart palmed away an effort from Darren Bent at point-blank range in stoppage time.

However, City held out to move ahead of rivals Manchester United.