Manchester City came from a goal down to boast a narrow 2-1 half-time lead over Everton at Goodison Park this evening.

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The Toffees started much the better of both sides and saw their dominance rewarded after 10 minutes as Barkley curled a Steven Naismith lay-off beyond the reach of Joe Hart from outside the box.

Manuel Pellegrini's side responded well to the setback and almost produced a swift riposte through Yaya Toure, who held off Leon Osman's challenge to fire just over the bar.

In front of the onlooking Noel Gallagher, City went in search of an oasis of their own and found one on 22 minutes as Aguero accelerated away from Antolin Alcaraz to fire past Tim Howard at his near post.

The goal might have come at a cost for the dimunitive Argentine, though, as the hitman later hobbled off the field and was replaced by Fernandinho.

The visitors, who can move within one victory of the title if they win on Merseyside, then took a step toward the Premier League crown as Edin Dzeko headed them into a slender lead three minutes before the break.