Man City are now five points behind league leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand
WSL1: Manchester City Women 1-0 Sunderland Ladies
Isobel Christiansen scored the winner as Manchester City beat Sunderland to go second in Women's Super League One on goal difference.
The midfielder netted just after the half hour mark with a header, following a cross from Krystle Johnston.
Brooke Chaplen and Abbey Joice had Sunderland's best chances but City keeper Karen Bardsley kept them at bay.
Steph Houghton went close to doubling the home side's lead when her powerful header was saved by Rachael Laws.
The game marked the return of City's Welsh winger Natasha Harding, who had missed the last nine matches with an ankle injury.
However Lucy Bronze was an unused substitute and England team-mate Toni Duggan missed the game after both players picked up ankle injuries last weekend against Liverpool.
While still mathematically possible, the result leaves Sunderland's title chances hanging by a thread as they now drop to six points behind leaders Chelsea with two games still to play.