Dzeko vows to keep up United chase

Manchester City continued their pursuit of rivals Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League by easing to a fourth win in succession at the expense of Fulham.

David Silva grabbed both goals, the first inside two minutes and the second a sublime chip, in a 2-0 victory over the Cottagers at the Etihad Stadium. The champions have recovered their poise since losing to United and Sunderland in December and are determined not to give up their crown without a fight.

Striker Edin Dzeko told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "We have to just keep doing what we're doing. I think Manchester United will drop points sooner or later but we just need to keep winning and keep the pressure on them."

City were the dominant team and although Fulham frustrated them at times in the 67 minutes between Silva's strikes, they could have won by a greater margin.

Silva was inches away from a hat-trick when he rolled a shot past the far post just moments after making it 2-0 and late substitute Sergio Aguero had two good chances on his return from injury.

Dzeko also had opportunities, not least when he fired over from close range in injury time.

Dzeko, City's top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions this season, said: "David took his goals really well and he is disappointed he didn't maybe get a third, but I'm really pleased for him and that the team won.

"We are a bit disappointed we didn't score more goals after taking the lead so early in the game and I think if we'd scored again in the first half we'd have gone on and won by more but sometimes it doesn't pan out like that.

"We got the second at a good time so we have to be happy. I'm disappointed I didn't score, but I think I played okay. As long as we keep winning, I'm happy."

Silva had scored only one goal previously this season and his recent return to form has given City a lift after losing Yaya Toure for the African Nations Cup.