Manchester City have moved a step closer to claiming their first Premier League title after beating rivals Manchester United 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

Vincent Kompany's header in first-half stoppage time was enough to see City move above their neighbours to the top of the table on goal difference.

Goalscoring opportunities were scarce in the opening half-hour, in what had been described as arguably the most important Manchester derby in recent memory.

With father-in-law Diego Maradona watching on from the crowd, Sergio Aguero wasted a good chance for City by blazing over the bar following Joleon Lescott's flick-on.

Then with the clock winding down, Kompany converted David Silva's corner to give Roberto Mancini's side a half-time advantage.

Sir Alex Ferguson changed to a more attacking formation in the early stages of the second period, replacing Park Ji Sung with Danny Welbeck.

Despite this, City were the more threatening side as Yaya Toure broke from midfield before shooting narrowly wide of David de Gea's goal.

The Ivorian came even closer to securing the points minutes later, while Ferguson continued to utilise his attacking options by introducing Antonio Valencia.

Mancini responded by operating a more defensive approach, turning to Nigel De Jong for midfield reinforcements.

This proved to be effective as United struggled to break down the Citizens, who held on comfortably in the latter stages.

City face Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers in their final two games, where two victories should guarantee them the title.