Manchester City's poor form in live premier league continued with a 2-0 loss away to Reading that saw Steve Coppell's side climb out of the relegation zone on the strength of back to back victories in the league.

Manchester City struggled to create any real chances with Vedran Corluka going close for the visitors but Reading held on and took the lead in the 62nd minute through Shane Long before Dave Kitson put the result beyond doubt by doubling the lead two minutes from full time.

After a dull opening few minutes, Manchester City received a set back on the half hour mark when Richard Dunne limped off the field with an injury. The visitors were also incensed after referee Uriah Rennie dismissed appeals for penalty when Michael Johnson was fouled inside the area.

City created the best chance of the half when Elano curling in an inviting free kick but Vedran Corluka was unable to connect properly with the ball bouncing off his knee before flying over the bar. Matejovsky went the closest for Reading in the first half with his bouncing shot saved in style by Joe Hart.

The hosts came out with renewed vigor in the second half and though City dominated the opening minutes in terms of possession, they were unable to carve out any openings in the Reading defense. Reading took a deserved lead in the 62nd minute when Long flicked on Marcus Hahnemann's long clearance and raced forward to receive the ball from Kevin Doyle before slotting it past Hart to score his first of the night.

City threw caution to the wind as Sven Goran Eriksson introduced Nery Castillo and Felipe Caicedo into the attack but Reading defense held on before assuring themselves of all three points when a swift counter attack found Kitson clear in the City penalty area and the striker made no mistake in converting his chance.