Manchester City survived the first-half sending-off of Samir Nasri for an apparent headbutt to edge past Norwich 4-3 in a Premier League thriller on Saturday, keeping the champions seven points behind leader Manchester United.
City was 2-0 ahead after four minutes thanks to a double from Edin Dzeko, but Anthony Pilkington's free kick halved the deficit before Nasri was dismissed after squaring up to Sebastian Bassong in the 44th minute.
Sergio Aguero restored City's two-goal lead five minutes after halftime, only for Russell Martin to make it 3-2 in the 63rd and then 4-3 in the 75th after Norwich goalkeeper Mark Bunn had deflected in Dzeko's low drive for an own goal.
City had some nervy late moments but hung on to stay within touching distance of United which defeated West Brom 2-0 at Old Trafford.
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Norwich City's Sebastien Bassong (L) clashes with Manchester City's Samir Nasri during their English Premier League soccer match at Carrow Road in Norwich December 29, 2012. Nasri was sent off following the clash. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Photo: Reuters
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Referee Mike Jones sends off Nasri (C) following the clash with Bassong.
Photo: Reuters
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Bassong (2nd R) fouls Nasri. Bassong was shown the yellow card for the tackle and Nasri was sent off following the clash. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Photo: Reuters
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Manchester City's Edin Dzeko (C) celebrates after scoring his second goal. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Photo: Reuters
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Dzeko (L) scored in the 2nd and 5th minute and was responsible for Man City's fourth goal.
Photo: Reuters
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Dzeko celebrates after scoring his first goal.
Photo: Reuters
