Carlos Tevez, Manchester City beat Aston Villa in Premier League

Carlos Tevez and Manchester City celebrate his goal in first-half stoppage time.

Lefteris Pitarakis/AP

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Carlos Tevez ensured Manchester City's flickering Premier League title defense stayed alive another week by scoring in a 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Monday.

Man City substitute Edin Dzeko dispossessed center back Ciaran Clark in a contentious challenge in first-half stoppage time, dribbled toward the box before finding Tevez, who dummied to fool goalkeeper Brad Guzan and a defender before slotting the ball into the net at Villa Park.

Clark complained he had been fouled by Dzeko, but referee Mike Rile awarded the goal.

City stayed 12 points behind leader Manchester United in second place with 10 rounds left.

Villa has now won only once in the past 11 games to remained 18th and in the relegation zone because of an inferior goal difference.

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