Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City Not Distracted by Pep to Grind Out Vital Win

This was far from the kind of football Manuel Pellegrini advocates, but it was a huge three points in a fixture that’s often been cruel to Manchester City in recent years.

They rode their luck at times and had Joe Hart to thank for their 1-0 win at Sunderland, as he made one world-class save and another couple of decent stops to preserve City's slender lead.

City's Nicolas Otamendi also deserves huge credit for a superb display that saw him make a series of crucial blocks and tackles as the home side poured forward.

If the Blues can beat Leicester City on Saturday, they will go top of the Premier League table.

"

How things stand at the summit of the #BPL following tonight's games. #safcvcity #mcfc pic.twitter.com/Nfoe5TZBaG

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) February 2, 2016"

Pellegrini prides himself on playing beautiful football, often admitting that style, rather than any kind of pragmatism, is his main priority.

But even he, one of the game’s purists, must have enjoyed this backs-to-the-wall victory that saw his side move clear of Arsenal after the Londoners’ surprise 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.  

There were periods where they were overrun by Sunderland and struggled to get their passing game going, but the City players won’t care a bit—they’ve suffered too many times in this fixture in the recent past to worry about winning when they perhaps didn’t deserve to.

In fact, if City do go on to win the title—and they should do given the squad they have—they may well look back on this as a critical night.

Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the game, his eighth since the turn of the year, which ensured City remain on course to win five competitions.

"

Three points that are key to staying in the race. Now it's time to rest and prepare for major upcoming matches.C'mon, City!

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) February 2, 2016"

It’s been quite a few days for Pellegrini. Last week City booked their place in the League Cup final after an exhilarating semi-final win over Everton, and they followed that up with victory at Aston Villa to move into the fifth round of the FA Cup as Kelechi Iheanacho bagged his first senior hat-trick.

And then, on Tuesday, during his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Sunderland, Pellegrini announced he would be leaving the club in the summer. Pep Guardiola will succeed him, regardless of the club’s performance between now and the end of the season.

There are no concerns about Pellegrini losing focus. He has the chance over the next four months to ensure he leaves as the club's most successful manager. What a way to go out and hand over the reins to the world's most sought-after manager that would be.

Three points against Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side—in Pellegrini’s 100th Premier League game in charge—however ugly, have made it a superb start to 2016 for a City team who have been inconsistent for too much of the season.

The win also ensured only Jose Mourinho has a better record in his first 100 Premier League games as manager.

"

Manuel Pellegrini's 100th PL game ends in a win - only Mourinho has won more in his 1st 100 PL games pic.twitter.com/rj3JfAIx87

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 2, 2016"

It was fitting that Hart played a pivotal role in such a seismic victory. This was his 253rd Premier League appearance for City, equalling the club record. He is now level with Richard Dunne, their former captain and four-time Player of the Season, in the list of appearances in this competition since its rebrand in 1992.

"

Joe Hart will make his 253rd PL app for Man City tonight, the joint most for the club alongside Richard Dunne pic.twitter.com/EcpQlAwuhl

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 2, 2016"

It’s arguably Hart's finest season to date. The England goalkeeper has had his critics in the past, including Pellegrini himself, but the way he has recovered and then bettered the form he showed as a youngster has been remarkable. His strength of character deserves great credit.

Afterward, Hart backed the outgoing Pellegrini, per Stuart Brennan at the Manchester Evening News:

"

We are a professional group who really enjoy playing under Manuel.

He has been a top manager for us and his man-management has been something I have personally enjoyed so we will look to give him the best send-off he deserves.

The players think the world of him, and the fans think the world of him.

We have however many games left and are in all competitions. Next season will take care of itself, but right now we are living in the moment.

"

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Inconsistencies may have held City back, causing frustration among their supporters at times, but the fact is that their season is set up perfectly.

A title win and one other cup victory would see Pellegrini depart as the club's most decorated manager. He has everything he needs to do it.

With Aguero fit and sharp, Hart in the form of his life and Fernandinho consistently brilliant, they have a solid platform for success.

Forget about Guardiola for the time being. There's plenty left for Pellegrini to achieve before he steps aside.

"

All the numbers that mattered from #safcvcity... #mcfc pic.twitter.com/Mk0ha1YEiA

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) February 2, 2016"

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.