Football: Man City hang on to beat Leicester 2-1 and leapfrog Liverpool to third in standings

Manchester City's Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure (right) vies with Leicester City's Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez on May 13, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester City survived a stirring Leicester City fightback to claim a 2-1 win that lifted them above Liverpool into third in the Premier League on Saturday.

The hosts, looking to cement their top-four status, were cruising when goals by David Silva and Gabriel Jesus put them 2-0 ahead after 36 minutes but Leicester hit back strongly.

Shinji Okazaki smashed in a sensational volley before half-time and the hosts had a huge let-off in the 77th minute when Riyad Mahrez's penalty was ruled out because he inadvertently made a double contact while striking the ball.

Jamie Vardy also missed a late chance but a nervy City hung on to move to 72 points with two games remaining.

Liverpool have 70 points with two games left while fifth-placed Arsenal have 66 with three to play.

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