Manchester City edge past Arsenal to extend winning streak

Manchester City extended their winning run in all competitions to 18 matches after a 1-0 victory at Arsenal on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling's early header in the first half turned out to be the winning goal as Pep Guardiola's side restored their 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

- Olley: After City loss, Arteta must focus on Europa League run

- Arsenal ratings: Odeegard, Pepe 4/10 in poor showing

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

City were hardly troubled throughout the 90 minutes but lacked ruthlessness in front of goal to extend their lead.

Arsenal did well to weather the storm in the early stages of the game but couldn't find an equaliser and remain 10th in the table.

"We knew today would be one of the toughest ones but we scored early and we could control it," Guardiola said. "The first 10-15 minutes were so good then the next half an hour they were much better than us.

"The feeling is that they are close. In the second half, we needed something to be more effective in our pressing and we were much better."

City started brightly and scored inside two minutes as an unmarked Sterling headed in from Riyad Mahrez's cross.

The visitors threatened to run away with the match after the goal but failed to be clinical enough.

As a result, Arsenal grew into the game towards the end of the half with Kieran Tierney posing a threat on the left hand side but City goalkeeper Ederson wasn't thoroughly tested.

Ilkay Gundogan almost continued his impressive goalscoring form 10 minutes after the break but his curling shot was tipped wide by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Joao Cancelo also came close to doubling City's lead with 10 minutes to go but his close-range shot just missed the target.

Gabriel Jesus could have scored a second in stoppage time but blazed over from inside the box as City secured the victory.

"When we conceded the first goal it put us in a difficult situation. It was tough. With their formation and players they use they are really comfortable," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "We didn't do it in the first 10 minutes."

The 18-game win streak, already the longest in English top-flight play, extends the longest stretch of Guardiola's managerial career, with City outscoring opponents 47-6 during the run.

"We're only thinking about the next one," Guardiola added. "The run has been incredible -- I could not expect it, but that is good."