Balotelli gives Man City 3-2 win over Tottenham

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Mario Balotelli converted a stoppage-time penalty to give leader Manchester City a dramatic 3-2 victory over Premier League title rival Tottenham on Sunday.

Just after Jermain Defoe had missed Tottenham's own chance to win the game, Balotelli was fouled by Ledley King and the Italy striker netted to give City an 11th straight home league win this season.

"I was calm, like every time I take a penalty," Balotelli said.

City had thrown away a two-goal lead after Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott scored in a four-minute span early in the second half. Tottenham immediately hit back, with slack defending allowing Defoe to score on the hour and Gareth Bale to equalize five minutes later.

City moved eight points ahead of third-place Tottenham, with only Manchester United separating the sides.

The game came to life in the 56th minute with a flurry of goals. David Silva, who had been pulling the strings of City's midfield, was the provider.

After a quick break forward, Silva slipped the ball through the heart of the Tottenham defense and Nasri lifted the ball past Brad Friedel.

Nasri played a part in City's second, three minutes later, sending in the cross that Edin Dzeko flicked toward the far post.

While Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker initially blocked the ball he failed to keep hold and clear, allowing Lescott to scramble it over the line.

City appeared to be on course to match its crushing 5-1 rout of Tottenham in August, only for the visitors to be gifted a route back into the game inside a minute.

Younes Kaboul launched the ball forward and Stefan Savic's attempt to make a headed clearance only directed it back into the path of the onrushing Defoe.

The England striker met the ball and rounded keeper Joe Hart on the edge of the penalty area before coolly slotting home.

The comeback was on, with the equalizer coming five minutes later.

Aaron Lennon broke free on the left flank before squaring to Bale, who lifted the ball beyond the reach of Hart into the top corner.

Tottenham could have snatched a late winner. Bale charged down the left and picked out Defoe at the far post, but the striker couldn't get a touch to nudge the ball over the line.

And then came a rare blip for King in the Tottenham defense, having not been on a losing side since August 2010, and Balotelli's winner.