Toure penalty cuts the gap

Toure fired in from 12 yards after Phil Jagielka was penalised for a challenge on James Milner inside the box, but the hosts were rocked by the early withdrawal of Sergio Aguero through injury.

Kevin Mirallas went close for the visitors, getting to a Zabaleta clearance first and volleying just off target care of a Fernando deflection, while Jose Angel Pozo almost made it 2-0 to City as he tested Tim Howard with a low effort.

Romelu Lukaku brought out a superb save from Joe Hart late on but the visitors couldn’t make the most of plenty of second-half possession, and City held on to take the points and further reel in Chelsea.

Manuel Pellegrini made three changes from the midweek win at Sunderland, with Eliaquim Mangala returning from suspension, while James Milner and Fernando came into the midfield.

Everton, meanwhile, lined up with Seamus Coleman on the right of midfield as Tony Hibbert came in at full-back. Roberto Martinez left Ross Barkley on the bench, with Samuel Eto’o supporting Romelu Lukaku up front.

The night started on a very sour note for the hosts, who ended up having to play most of the match without in-form striker Aguero, after the Argentina international limped off with what looked like a knee injury sustained as he stretched for a challenge.

It killed a good pre-match atmosphere and the hosts struggled to get the crowd going as both sides endured a sloppy opening spell.

City broke the deadlock inside 25 minutes, though, as Toure slid a pass through for Milner and the midfielder got a touch on the ball before Jagielka came across to make a challenge. Referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot straight away and Toure coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner.

The second half proved a much more open affair as youngster Jose Angel Pozo – who replaced Aguero – was denied low by Tim Howard after excellent work by Milner out wide.

Martinez soon introduced Ross Barkley to the action, and the change seemed to spur the visitors on as they enjoyed much more time on the ball.

Lukaku almost levelled things with a wonderful effort as he latched on to Eto’o’s flick, but Joe Hart produced a stunning stop to keep out the Belgian.

City had some chances of their own as the excellent Milner volleyed over after excellent work from substitutes Frank Lampard and Edin Dzeko, while Samir Nasri fired straight at Howard.

But neither side could find the net and Toure’s penalty was enough to secure the win for City, who are now just three points off Mourinho’s men.