Edin Dzeko's 50th goal for Manchester City was enough to secure a 1-0 win for City as they beat Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

The win moves City into top spot, two points clear of Arsenal, who drop to second, while Tony Pulis' men are in 17th position.

Edin Dzeko nearly opened the scoring with just five minutes gone, the striker latched onto a through ball by David Silva, before turning and drilling an effort just wide of the post.

In the 40th minute Silva tried his luck at goal, after being picked out by Dedrick Boyata, the Spaniard did well to lose his marker but failed to put his effort on target.

Fernandinho almost created a moment of magic in the 44th minute, the Brazilian flicked the ball up with his right, let rip with his left but his effort went just over.

City's best effort in the first half came just before the halftime whistle, Julian Speroni did well to deny Fernandinho's header after a cross from James Milner.

Palace nearly took the lead just after the halftime break as Jason Puncheon stinging effort drew a fine save Joe Hart, after a swift counter attack.

City went ahead in the 65th minute, after Jesus Navas picked out an unmarked Dzeko, who comfortably side-footed the City into the lead.

After the goal, the home side were quite content with just passing the ball around, while Palace were happy to just sit back.

The closest City came to doubling the lead was in the 90th minute, Navas picked out Dzeko at the back post, who's header failed to trouble Speroni.

South Africa's Kagiso Dikgacoi was missing through injury.