Manchester City were made to work but in the end they ran out fairly comfortable 3-0 winners against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium last night.
It was a nervy night for Pep Guardiola's men as Liverpool had piled on the pressure in the Premier League title race by thrashing Manchester United 4-0 at Anfield.
Brighton arrived full of confidence having just enjoyed away victories at Tottenham and Arsenal but in the end the class of City shone through and the surged back to the top of the table.
Kevin De Bruyne, returning to the side after sitting out Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool, provided the inspiration for City’s breakthrough.
The Belgian provided the break to tee up City’s first for Riyad Mahrez, although the Algerian’s strike took a fortunate deflection. De Bruyne then set up Bernardo Silva to wrap up victory late on after Phil Foden added a second, also with aid of a deflection.
Elsewhere last night, Arsenal boosted their top four hopes with a pulsating 4-2 win at Chelsea and relegated threatened Everton claimed a point against Leicester and Newcastle pretty much secured their safety with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Scroll down and click through for all of Thursday's Premier League transfer news and gossip.
5. Go steady with Eddie
Brighton continue to monitor Eddie Nketiah's situation at Arsenal. The striker, who netted twice against Chelsea last night, is out of contract with the Gunners this summer. Crystal Palace and Leeds are also poised.
6. Roo the man
Wayne Rooney has moved to second-favourite in the race to become the next Burnley manager. He’s currently behind Middlesbrough’s Chris Wilder, who is still odds-on to take over at Turf Moor. (SkyBet)
7. Toney talk
Newcastle United and Brighton target Ivan Toney is understood to have an asking price of around £50m. The Brentford striker, who has been branded “phenomenal” by club chairman Cliff Crown, has scored 14 goals so far this season. (90min)
8. Monaco mission
West Ham United have been linked with a move for AC Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile. The 21-year-old centre-back, who is valued at around £25m, is also believed to be on Serie A giants Juventus’ transfer radar. (Sport Witness)