LONDON - Joleon Lescott's 62nd-minute goal and a brilliant late save by goalkeeper Joe Hart sent Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League with a tense 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Manchester City's Joleon Lescott scores past Aston Villa's Shay Given (L) during their English Premier League soccer match at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, Feb 12, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday had put City under pressure and after they had dominated the first hour's play Lescott eased their nerves when he hooked in former Villa midfielder Gareth Barry's far-post header from a corner.

Adam Johnson also hit a post in the first half for City while Villa threatened little until the final stages when Carlos Cuellar headed over and Hart made a superb point-blank save from Darren Bent.

The England number one's stop, as much as Lescott's goal, could be a moment City fans look back on with glee come May if they get their hands on a first English league title since 1968.

City top the table with 60 points from 25 games, two ahead of United while toothless Villa are looking anxiously over their shoulders down in 15th.

"It's always difficult playing second throughout the weekend," man-of-the-match Barry told Sky Sports.

"(United) obviously put a bit of pressure on, any away game in the Premier League is really tough. But to come to Villa Park is a massive three points for us, we are delighted today.

"We've got to back ourselves now although they are a club who have won many championships recently. We are a team full of experience and have players that have won championships elsewhere. We know what it is all about."

A streaker runs on the pitch as Aston Villa play Manchester City in their English Premier League soccer match at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, Feb 12, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]