Barclays U21 Premier League 2016: Sunday Results, Updated Table and Fixtures
Manchester City continued their battle for the Barclays Under-21 Premier League title on Sunday, defeating Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield.
The Sky Blues were dominant at the home of the Reds, producing one goal in the first half and adding two in the second, the third coming in the 88th minute to comprehensively claim the points on offer.
The victory saw City climb two spots to third in Division 1 with two games in hand on leaders Sunderland.
Derby County travelled to Wolverhampton Wanders in an attempt to reclaim the lead in Division 2, and they achieved their objective with a 2-1 win.
Read on for a recap of Sunday's results and a look at the updated standings, including forthcoming fixtures.
| Liverpool | 0-3 | Manchester City |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1-2 | Derby County |
| Division 1 | |||||||
| 1. | Sunderland U21 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 25:9 | 29 |
| 2. | Manchester United U21 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 25:11 | 25 |
| 3. | Manchester City U21 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 25:17 | 21 |
| 4. | Everton U21 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 20:17 | 20 |
| 5. | Tottenham U21 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 32:33 | 19 |
| 6. | Reading U21 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 24:27 | 18 |
| 7. | Chelsea U21 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 19:20 | 15 |
| 8. | Liverpool U21 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 16:23 | 15 |
| 9. | Southampton U21 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 20:27 | 14 |
| 10. | Middlesbrough U21 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 18:15 | 13 |
| 11. | Norwich U21 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 18:24 | 12 |
| 12. | Leicester U21 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 16:35 | 9 |
| Division 2 | |||||||
| 1. | Derby U21 | 16 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 34:20 | 32 |
| 2. | Arsenal U21 | 14 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 29:15 | 30 |
| 3. | Aston Villa U21 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 19:20 | 28 |
| 4. | West Brom U21 | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 17:11 | 25 |
| 5. | West Ham U21 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 27:26 | 24 |
| 6. | Stoke City U21 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 17:18 | 22 |
| 7. | Fulham U21 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 15:19 | 18 |
| 8. | Swansea U21 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 18:12 | 17 |
| 9. | Blackburn U21 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 18:18 | 17 |
| 10. | Newcastle Utd U21 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 22:26 | 17 |
| 11. | Wolves U21 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 16:27 | 9 |
| 12. | Brighton U21 | 15 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 8:25 | 8 |
| Feb. 8 | 1 p.m. | Blackburn Rovers vs. Aston Villa |
| Feb. 8 | 2 p.m. | Reading vs. Leicester City |
| Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | Manchester United vs. Norwich City |
| Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | Newcastle United vs. Stoke City |
Sunday Recap
City's hopes of winning the Division 1 title were boosted on Sunday after defeating Liverpool on Merseyside.
The Sky Blues dominated from the first whistle and pressured the hosts with their superior play and movement.
Despite enjoying plenty of the ball, City had to wait until the 35th minute to grab the lead, Ashley Smith-Brown striking.
The versatile defender, who can also play in midfield, took his chance with confidence, slotting past goalkeeper Adam Bogdan to give the visitors a half-time lead.
City doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark, and Liverpool appeared in danger of being overran.
Brandon Barker scored a beautiful effort, the 19-year-old winger coolly finishing past Bogdan to put City in control.
David Faupala put the icing on the cake for City two minutes from time, adding a richly deserved third goal for the visitors.
It was a convincing display from City, and both Manchester United and Sunderland will be looking over their shoulders at the accelerating Sky Blues youngsters.
In Sunday's other match, Derby leapfrogged Arsenal to go back to the summit of Division 2, earning a late 2-1 win at Wolves.
Callum Guy gave the Rams the lead after 15 minutes, but Liam McAlinden converted a penalty in the 67th minute to level the match.
However, Derby showed their class toward the end of the game, grabbing a winner five minutes from time through defender Jamie Hanson.
The victory, their 10th in 16 games this term, gave the new leaders a two-point lead over the Gunners.
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