Manchester City 2-0 Everton

Manchester City edged to victory over Everton to go back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Substitute Mario Balotelli put City in front after 68 minutes firing a low 20-yard shot which deflected off Phil Jagielka into the bottom right corner from a backheel by Sergio Aguero.

The Merseysiders, who had won seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, had previously dug in strongly to keep the home side at bay.

City made it safe two minutes from time when David Silva split the defence with a superb through-ball for substitute James Milner to prod home his first Premier League goal for the club.

Everton's Tim Cahill challenges Gareth Barry of Manchester City