Silva bags brace in Cottagers defeat

David Silva struck in each half as champions Manchester City cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to four points following a 2-0 victory over Fulham.

The Spaniard fired home a rebound after just two minutes and then struck a sublime second in the 69th minute as the champions enjoyed a comfortable win at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva could have completed a hat-trick moments later but shot narrowly wide. City will hope the victory puts pressure back on United ahead of their tricky trip to Tottenham.

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