(CNN) Manchester City cleared a major hurdle in the quest to win back-to-back English Premier League titles for the first time in its history with a battling 2-0 victory at the home of crosstown rival Manchester United on Wednesday.

Second half goals from Bernardo Silva and substitute Leroy Sane secured the win as City wore down and eventually outclassed United.

With just three games of the season remaining the Citizens now lead Liverpool atop the table by a solitary point.

And with fixtures against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton to come, Pep Guardiola's men will now be red hot favorites to claim what will be its sixth ever league crown. City also remains on course to win a treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Bernardo Silva scores for Manchester City.

For United, defeat leaves it in sixth position in the table, behind both Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to finish in the top four and secure a place in the Champions League next season.

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