London, Feb 14 (IANS): Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 2-0 to leap-frog Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur into the second place in the English Premier League (EPL) here.

City's Gabriel Jesus left the field at Bournemouth's Vitality stadium on Saturday with a foot injury in the 15th minute, making way for the return of erstwhile top striker Sergio "Kun" Agüero, who started the last three matches on the bench, reports Efe.

The substitution did nothing to slow the visitors' attack, which relied on the pace of wingers Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.

The two combined for City's first goal, scored by Sterling in the 29th minute, three minutes after he hit the post off a great cross from Sane.

Bournemouth, winless in 2017, thought they had equalized a minute later, only for Josh King's goal to be called back because he fouled City defender John Stones on the approach.

Undaunted, the hosts continued to press for the tying goal and they came close in the 67th minute, when City keeper Willy Caballero had to make a quality stop on Harry Arter's shot from outside the area.

Two minutes later, City led 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, who was trying to stop Agüero.

Man City has 52 points from 25 matches, eight points behind leader Chelsea with 13 games to play. With 26 points, Bournemouth are only 6 six clear of the drop zone.