Manchester City made it five wins in a row to move within three points of Chelsea this evening courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.
Yaya Toure got the only goal of the game, converting from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after James Milner had been felled by Phil Jagielka.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who stood out during an important victory for the champions.
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MAN CITY
Goal
Joe Hart: Only really had one test on a quiet night, but passed it with flying colours when he denied Lukaku with an excellent save. (7/10)
Defence
Pablo Zabaleta: Solid showing from Zabaleta, who curtailed the influence of Baines and Mirallas as well as getting forward whenever possible. (6/10)
Martin Demichelis: Made a fine challenge to deny Eto'o late on and kept Everton's front two quiet throughout. Led the defence in Kompany's absence. (7/10)
Eliaquim Mangala: Perhaps fortunate not to see red for a flying kick on Eto'o inside the Everton area, but was solid in his defensive work. (7/10)
Gael Clichy: Much like Zabaleta on the opposite side. Kept Coleman quiet and provided an outlet going forward at times too. (6/10)
Midfield
Fernando: Also perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a flying kick of his own, this time to the face of Barry. Was solid and disciplined in the middle of the park, though. (6/10)
Yaya Toure: Got the only goal of the game from the penalty spot and showed flashes of the unplayable midfielder he can sometimes be. Still not quite at his best, though. (7/10)
Jesus Navas: His pace caused problems as ever, but still the end product is lacking too often. Eventually withdrawn with 12 minutes remaining. (6/10)
James Milner: Was a real livewire for the hosts, always looking to get in behind the defence and doing so on a number of occasions. Won the penalty for his side and didn't give the Everton defence a moment of peace. (8/10)
Samir Nasri: Was one of his side's most creative players, pulling the strings at times and looking as likely as anyone to make the breakthrough. (8/10)
Attack
Sergio Aguero: Lasted a matter of minutes before being forced off with a knee injury. Limped down the tunnel with tears in his eyes. (6/10)
Substitutes
Jose Angel Pozo: A surprise choice to replace Aguero. Made a few bright runs towards the front post, but was usually dealt with by the defence. Missed one really good chance in the second half that Howard did well to save. Eventually taken off again just short of the hour. (6/10)
Edin Dzeko: Came on for Pozo but failed to offer too much up front for the champions. Still working his way back to fitness. (6/10)
Frank Lampard: Almost had an immediate impact with a chipped ball to Dzeko seconds after coming on. Kept things ticking over in the middle of the park. (6/10)
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EVERTON
Goal
Tim Howard: Could do nothing about the penalty, despite his best efforts. Has received criticism lately, but made a fine save to deny Pozo in the second half. (7/10)
Defence
Tony Hibbert: Struggled to deal with Milner and Nasri down his flank at times. Didn't bomb forward either due to the presence of Coleman in front of him. (6/10)
Sylvain Distin: Will soon turn 37 but can still do a job for Everton. Was often in the right place to snuff out the danger and was probably the pick of the Everton defenders. (7/10)
Phil Jagielka: The penalty he gave away was a soft one, but it was still careless from Jagielka, who gave the referee a decision to make. He should have known better. (5/10)
Leighton Baines: Not his finest performance. Was forced into defending more than he may have liked due to the pace of Navas, which also stunted his influence at the other end of the field. (6/10)
Midfield
Seamus Coleman: Moved into a more attacking role but struggled to make an impact on the game from that position. Suits the overlapping runs of a full-back better. (6/10)
Muhamed Besic: Was sloppy in possession at times but helped to prevent City from dominating the midfield area and gave his defence some decent protection. (6/10)
Gareth Barry: Perhaps lucky to stay on the field following some robust challenges. Certainly put himself about. (6/10)
Kevin Mirallas: Looked most likely for the visitors before half time, but faded as the match wore on and never came up with the end product. (5/10)
Attack
Samuel Eto'o: Was the one player who really tried to grab the game by the scruff of its neck in the second half. His efforts weren't successful, but at least he was trying to spark the visitors into life. (6/10)
Romelu Lukaku: Almost rescued a point with a late volley, but that was his only threatening moment. Otherwise was kept quiet by Mangala and Demichelis. (5/10)
Substitutes
Ross Barkley: Came on for Besic 10 minutes into the second half and his introduction gave Everton some impetus. However, he often ran into cul-de-sacs and failed to have a huge impact on the game. Harshly booked for diving. (6/10)
Leon Osman: Replaced Mirallas in the dying stages and did not have time to make a difference. (6/10)
Barney Corkhill
