Balotelli sees off title rivals

MARIO BALOTELLI — who else? — decided an extraordinary meeting between title contenders Manchester City and Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, his 94th-minute penalty earning the Premier League leaders an eight-point cushion over their London rivals.

The Italian struck with a coolly-taken spot kick, dithering and sending Brad Friedel the wrong way before placing his shot into the bottom left-hand corner after winning the decision himself, a clear foul from Ledley King being spotted by referee Howard Webb.

To make matters worse for Harry Redknapp’s side, seconds earlier they looked as if they were about to claim the winning goal themselves as the impressive Gareth Bale sprinted away from the defence and squared to the far post where Jermain Defoe, at full stretch, could only poke his shot the wrong side of the post.