Two goals from Ivorien international Yaya Toure ensured that Manchester City moved to within touching distance of their first title for 44 years.
The crucial away victory over Newcastle United saw Roberto Mancini boy’s show resilience and lots of gusto.
However, the home team gave the heavy spenders from Etihad a run for their money, standing rock solid for 69 minutes before Yaya Toure beat Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul with a low curling shot with 20 minutes left.
He then added a second from close range in the 89th minute.
City now know that victory over QPR in their final match of the season will secure the Premier League title.
City clearly dominated the game; sharper to the ball, swifter to use it, City forced Krul, the Newcastle goalkeeper, into action on a number of occasions.
The Dutchman was forced to turn away low shots from both David Silva and Sergio Aguero, while Carlos Tevez went close with a curling free-kick.
Newcastle’s first real effort at goal came only after about half an hour into the game, but more soon followed.
Demba Ba fizzed a 25-yard shot over Joe Hart’s crossbar. Moments later the Newcastle striker saw his goalbound shot blocked by Kompany after a clever run by Jonas Gutierrez. The ball ran to Ben Arfa but his low shot was well saved by Hart, low to his left.
Manchester United second on the table are to play Swansea later today.