Manchester City have kept the Premier League title race alive by beating 10-man Manchester United 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result means that the home side are now six points behind leaders Chelsea in the table, while United have dropped to ninth.

Sergio Aguero had the game's first real chance after eight minutes , but his effort was straight at David de Gea, who pushed the Argentine's strike away from danger.

Adnan Januzaj had a half-chance down the other end moments later, but the Belgian fired wide of the post after a smart knockdown from Robin van Persie.

Van Persie then met a cross from Di Maria after 15 minutes, but his header failed to test Hart, with United impressing in the early exchanges at Eastlands.

Aguero remained the main threat for the hosts, but De Gea was again equal to the striker's effort after 20 minutes, before the United stopper instinctively denied Jesus Navas from close range.

Moments later, De Gea was in inspired form once again to deny Aguero with a brave block following a cross from Fernando.

City continued to grow into the first period, with Yaya Toure curling a free kick high of the crossbar as the match approached the 30-minute mark.

The major incident of the first period involved Chris Smalling, however, with the United centre-back sent off for picking up his second yellow card after bringing James Milner to the ground. He had previously been cautioned for attempting to block a quick kick from Joe Hart.

City also had two strong penalty shouts in the first half, with Aguero and Toure tumbling under challenges from Marouane Fellaini and Rojo respectively.

The expected onslaught arrived from City early in the second period, with Pablo Zabaleta and Aguero both missing good opportunities to open the scoring.

It got worse for United after 55 minutes when Rojo was forced to depart with a serious injury, leaving youngster Paddy McNair to come into central defence.

United had a half-chance just past the hour mark when Di Maria delivered a dangerous free kick towards the far post, but there were no takers. Moments before, City had another penalty shout when Aguero tumbled under contact from Michael Carrick.

City were ahead after 63 minutes, however, when Aguero powerfully turned a Gael Clichy cross into the back of the net.

The pressure from the home side continued and Steven Jovetic came close after 68 minutes, but his curling effort was saved by De Gea.

Van Persie had a chance for the away side moments later, but Hart was on hand to save the Dutchman's effort at the near post.

The pressure continued from the home side, with Navas rattling the woodwork for the home side after 75 minutes of action.

United had a golden chance after 77 minutes when Wayne Rooney burst into the City box before eventually finding Van Persie, who shifted the ball to Di Maria, but his curling effort was saved by Hart.

Moments later, Fellaini headed a Di Maria cross wide of the post as the visitors made a late rally for an equaliser.

Both managers made changes in the latter stages, but the score still remained 1-0 as the final five minutes approached.

Fellaini had another half-chance from a corner, but the Belgian headed high of the crossbar.

Toure had the chance to put the game beyond doubt late on, but he curled his effort wide of the post after beating McNair to the ball.

The pressure continued from United late on, but the visitors could not find a leveller.