Manchester City knew that they had to beat Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday if they were to keep alive their slim hopes of retaining the Premier League title.
It took them a while to get going against the Magpies, but goals from Carlos Tevez and David Silva gave the home side a comfortable lead at half time.
Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure then added to City's tally after the break to seal the win.
The result has seen the champions remain 15 points behind leaders Manchester United, while Newcastle are now just three points above the relegation zone.
Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams.
Match statistics:
Man City:
Shots 19
On target 11
Possession 63%
Corners 9
Fouls 6
Newcastle:
Shots 5
On target 1
Possession 37%
Corners 2
Fouls 8
Was the result fair?
Manchester City showed much more hunger as far as getting a result was concerned and after their second goal went in, it was a case of how many they would get. Newcastle showed occasional flashes of menace, but it was a worryingly toothless display from the Magpies.
Man City's performance
It was not vintage City by any means, but when they turned on the style it was hard for Newcastle to live with them. David Silva and Samir Nasri stood out in particular for the hosts, while Yaya Toure typically drove his teammates on when they needed it.
Newcastle's performance
The visitors often looked in awe of their opponents and led down without much of a fight. Moussa Sissoko deserves an honourable mention for his tireless display, but it will be a nervy end to the campaign for Alan Pardew's side if they continue to play like this.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: While teammate Samir Nasri was often at the heart of things, Silva proved too tricky for Newcastle to cope with. His slick passing around the edge of the area was always one step ahead of the away side and he also took his goal brilliantly.
Biggest gaffe
With the game goalless, Gareth Barry missed a sitter for the home side which looked like it could have been costly. With the goal at his mercy, the midfielder put the ball over the bar from six yards.
Referee performance
Neil Swarbrick did little to anger either side out in the middle and was correct in denying both teams a couple of penalty shouts for handball.
What next?
Man City: The big one. City face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league a week on Monday with only a win good enough for Roberto Mancini's side.
Newcastle: United travel to Portugal to face Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-finals.
Jack Prescott
