Yaya Toure's 24th-minute penalty has given Manchester City a 1-0 lead over Everton at half time at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the first half was blighted by an injury to Sergio Aguero, who limped off the pitch clutching his thigh just seven minutes into the game and was replaced by 18-year-old striker Jose Angel Pozo.
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Neither side were able to forge any chances in the opening quarter of an hour and, when the first shot of the game arrived from Toure, it was a weak left-footed effort from 25 yards which bobbled harmlessly wide.
However, the Ivorian confidently stroked home a spot kick to put City 1-0 ahead, after Phil Jagielka was adjudged to have fouled James Milner inside the box in the 24th minute.
City continued to dominate possession and almost went two goals ahead through Samir Nasri's vicious strike, but Sylvain Distin bravely headed the goalbound shot to safety.
Everton almost found a way back into the game after 39 minutes, but Kevin Mirallas's volley was deflected wide by a sliding block from Fernando.
Martin Demichelis then guided a header over the bar from a corner, but there were more worrying signs for the Citizens as half time approached as Toure required treatment following a hefty challenge.
Kristian Johnson
