Newcastle (England), Dec 28 (IANS): Manchester City extended their English Premier League record-winning streak to 18 with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola's side are now 15 points ahead of second-place Manchester United in the battle for the title, reports Efe.

Facing the City juggernaut here on Wednesday, Newcastle coach Rafa Benitez opted for a game plan focused exclusively on defending. Even so, his squad conceded in the 31st minute, when Raheem Sterling buried Kevin de Bruyne's cross to post his 13th goal of the season.

The hosts had a chance to equalise four minutes later, but City defender Nicolas Otamendi made a spectacular goal-line stop against Newcastle's Rolando Aarons to preserve the advantage.

The visitors' domination extended into the second half, yet their failure to get a second goal set the stage for a late surge by Newcastle, whose best opportunity came in the 89th minute with a Dwight Gayle header that forced a great save from City goalkeeper Ederson.

The outcome leaves Newcastle in 15th place with 18 points.