Everton back up to fourth after win at Manchester City

First-half goals from Yakubu and Joleon Lescott were enough to lift Everton three points clear of Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the battle for the fourth Champions League spot.

 Liverpool, who beat Middlesbrough 3-2 at the weekend, have a game in hand.

 In persistent rain at the City of Manchester Stadium, Everton were the better team throughout, and they took the lead on the half-hour mark when Tim Cahill found Yakubu, whose shot beat Joe Hart.

 They doubled their lead seven minutes later, when defender Lescott headed home from Lee Carsley's cross.

 Everton dominated possession, and though City improved late in the second half, it took them until the 85th minute to force a fine save from Tim Howard after a shot by Nery Castillo.

 Benjani headed straight at Howard in injury time, but City's disappointment was compounded by the sending-off of Martin Petrov in injury time for a petulant kick.

 City remain in eighth place, six points behind Everton.