Manchester City produced a nervous display in the opening 45 minutes of their final-day Premier League clash against Queens Park Rangers but do lead thanks to Pablo Zabaleta's 40th-minute strike.
City looked on edge early on, with Yaya Toure slicing high, wide and handsome with a rare opening in the opening 20 minutes of play.
News of a Stoke goal against Bolton pleased the travelling Rangers fans, who almost celebrated when Djibril Cisse's fizzing free kick was held by Joe Hart in the City goal.
Moments later Carlos Tevez saw a near-post effort well blocked after Samir Nasri's drilled cross as news of a Wayne Rooney goal at Sunderland silenced the Etihad faithful.
City then earned a free kick 20 yards out but David Silva couldn't get the ball over the wall.
The home crowd tried to rally their team with cries of "Come on City!" but Silva dragged a shot wide as the Citizens failed to really create an opening.
City did take the lead with five minutes of the half remaining when Toure fed the onrushing Zabaleta. The Argentinian full-back drove into the area and fired at Paddy Kenny, who palmed the ball into the air and onto the far post before the ball dropped over the line.
City will claim the Premier League because of a superior goal difference if things stay as they are.
While for QPR, they are currently being relegated because of Bolton's comeback at Stoke where they lead 2-1.
Pascal Lemesre
