LONDON, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Manchester City stamped their authority on the Premier League and left local rivals Manchester United almost dead in the water in the title race with a 3-1 win in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium.
City tore into their rivals at the start of the game and took an early lead thanks to David Silva, who was outstanding all match long.
Although an Anthony Martial penalty gave United some hope in the second half, the harsh fact for their fans to accept is that City were simply a lot better and the final score of 3-1 did not flatter them.
United are now 12 points off the top of the table and their campaign now has to be centered on ensuring they qualify for next season's Champions League, which won't be easy given that they are also seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Mourinho tried to use his post-game press conference to convey that it had been a close game, but as Sky Sports noted, "these two clubs are now only close geographically," and that is a very hard fact for Manchester United fans to take.
Elsewhere, Chelsea dropped two points at home to Everton, who produced a dogged display at Stamford Bridge to force a 0-0 draw. The Toffees focused on nullifying the creative threat of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, and bullied him off the ball time after time until he was replaced on the hour mark.
Liverpool bounced back from their surprise midweek Champions League defeat in Serbia and now sit second after a 2-0 win at home to bottom club Fulham, who were unhappy that Liverpool's opening goal by Mohamed Salah was allowed to stand, while Aleksander Mitrovic's header 14 seconds earlier had been ruled out.
Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris was tested in the air by Crystal Palace, but one way or another was able to keep the south London side at bay, which meant that Juan Foyth's first goal for Spurs was enough for them to take all three points.
The 20-year-old had conceded two penalties the previous weekend against Wolves and his goal was vindication of coach Mauricio Pochettino's faith in him.
Wolves took advantage of some tired Arsenal legs after midweek Europa League action to claim a point at the Emirates Stadium, while Bournemouth remain sixth, despite losing to an improving Newcastle United.
Elsewhere in the bottom half, Cardiff City battled their way to a vital 2-1 win against Brighton, with the winner coming in injury time after a clear offside, which didn't please Seagulls coach Chris Hughton.
Huddersfield took an early lead against West Ham, but missed chances to secure the result and paid the price when the Hammers scored a 74th minute equalizer, while Southampton still have only one home win since March after being held to a 1-1 draw by Watford.
Finally, Leicester City fans held an emotional tribute to former chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others who died with him in a helicopter crash two weeks ago. The King Power Stadium was a sea of white scarves in their memory as supporters came together to remember a man who was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
