Swansea City's strong start against Manchester City wasn't enough on New Years Day as the Premier League title favorites pulled away in the second half for a 3-2 victory. Coming into the match, the Citizens hadn't scored in each of the previous two seasons at Liberty Stadium. 

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho gave City an early lead in the first half after taking advantage of a deflected corner by Samir Nasri. The Swans quickly responded and picked up the pace in the final nine minutes of the half, which led to an equalizing header by Wilfried Bony. 

Even at one-all going into the final 45 minutes, the Citizens came out after the break and immediately put the pressure back on the Swans. Yaya Toure broke the 1-1 deadlock in the  57th minute with a healthy strike from just inside the box, much to the liking of manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The Citizens weren't done yet as a lapse in focus by Swansea City gave Aleksandar Kolarov plenty of space down the left side of the pitch to make a run and he did just that. The 28-year-old Serbian left back gave City a 3-1 lead with a powerful strike in the 65th minute that sealed the victory for Pellegrini's side.

Wilfried Bony added to the scoresheet with his second of the match in extra time, but the final whistle would follow soon after. The Swans haven't won a match since December 4th, which came after a 3-0 loss to the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium just three days earlier.

Can Swansea City follow up another loss to Manchester City with a win? Time will only tell as they move on to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in a F.A. Cup third round matchup this coming Sunday.

The Citizens, on the other hand, are now top of the Premier League table unless Arsenal takes the three points at home from Cardiff City later today. The Gunners are heavy favorites against the Bluebirds, but losing points at home would give Manchester City the top spot going into next week.

With their away form back on track, does Manchester City have the strength to run away with the Premier League title in the second half of the season?

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About the author
Corey Mann
Up and coming sports journalist covering the Premier League and Manchester City FC.