Manchester, Dec 16 (IANS): Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus scored twice to help Manchester City defeat Everton 3-1 on Saturday and get the team back on top of the English Premier League.

Defending champion Manchester City secured the home win of the match-day 17 to erase the memory of its first loss this season; 2-0 against Chelsea in the previous round.

Manchester City dominated the beginning of the match held at Etihad stadium, but its players squandered several scoring chances, reports Efe news.

Jesus opened the scoring for Manchester City after 22 minutes into the match with an accurate short-range shot inside the penalty area.

Everton fought to come from behind, but Jesus struck again with a second goal just five minutes into the second half off a header after his teammate Leroy Sane sent a cross from the left side.

Undaunted, Everton tried a comeback as forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin narrowed City's lead 15 minutes later off a header on a cross sent from the left side.

It was left to Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling to put the game out of reach as he scored the third goal for the Citizens in the 69th minute, putting a header from a cross shot in on the left side to seal the 3-1 win.

After this victory, Man City provisionally leads the Premier League standings with 44 points, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, which will host Manchester United Sunday.