By John Nestor

London, England

Manchester City took over the top spot in the English Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium Saturday.

City moved clear of Manchester United, which played to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

Goals from Mario Balotelli, Adam Johnson, Vincent Kompany and James Milner lifted City to victory and gave them 22 points after eight matches, two points clear of United.

The last time City topped the table this late in a top-flight season was 34 years ago.

Chelsea beat Everton 3-1 and is in third place, just a point behind the Red Devils while Liverpool remained in fifth.

Fourth place Newcastle United and sixth place Tottenham Hotspur meet Sunday.

A prolific offense has been the key for Man City as they have tallied 27 goals in eight matches and have yet to lose with seven wins and a draw.

Man City has a showdown with United at Old Trafford next weekend.

Bolton Wanderers ended a slide of six straight league losses with a 3-1 win at Wigan Athletic.

Blackburn Rovers picked up only their fifth point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Queens Park Rangers, who are still looking for their first home win.

Soccer - Liverpool, Man-U Draw as Man City Moves to Top of Table