Manchester City is leading the Premier League title race following their narrow 1-0 victory over strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday at home in Etihad Stadium.
The 2012 champions are now top of the league for the first time since the opening weekend of the season, with previous leaders Arsenal not in action until Sunday and visiting their ground is a daunting task for even Europe's top sides with the club unbeaten at the Etihad.
According to Sport24, City manager Manuel Pellegrini decided to make six changes from his side's victory over Liverpool on Thursday and although their 100 percent home record looked in danger, Edin Dzeko's strike in the second half sent the club to the top of the Premier League table.
However, City lacked something in the opening half, with the absence of midfielder Yaya Toure notable as he was rested by Pellegrini and looked on from the bench, the report added.