Manchester is undoubtedly blue after league leaders Manchester City claimed a major scalp in the title race following their 2-1 win at the home of nearest challengers and city rivals Manchester United.

Defensive mix-up figured heavily in all the three goals scored at Old Trafford on Sunday evening and it was the Citizens who benefitted the more as reward for their dominant display.

David Silva’s first half strike was cancelled out by Marcus Rashford on the stroke of halftime before Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi pounced on Lukaku’s error in the second half to give City a big victory.

The victory made it a record-breaking 14 straight wins within a league season as they edge 11 points clear of José Mourinho’s team.

The 2-time Premier League champions now have a joint consecutive wins’ record with Arsenal (14 straight wins over two seasons in 2002).

They will set a new Premier League record for successive wins if they secure another victory against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday night.

Liverpool and Arsenal had earlier suffered respective setbacks in their bid for a top four finish with 1-1 draws against Everton and Southampton on Sunday.

The Merseyside Derby clash between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield ended in a controversial manner after Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s first half opener.

Liverpool faithfuls were not convinced at all following the referee’s decision to penalise Dejan Lovren for a push on young Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin but Rooney was very convincing as he smashed home the resulting penalty to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Unlike Liverpool, Arsenal were very fortunate to leave the South Coast with a point after their hosts missed numerous opportunities to extend their 2nd minute opener from Charlie Austin.

The Saints paid dearly for their profligacy in front of goal following substitute Olivier Giroud’s equaliser just before the final whistle.

Week 16 Results (Sunday)

Southampton 1-1 Arsenal

Liverpool 1-1 Everton

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City

Standings (Top 6):

1. Manchester City 46 points

2. Manchester United 35 points

3. Chelsea 32 points

4. Liverpool 30 points

5. Arsenal 29 points

6. Tottenham 28 points