Adam: There are many times when you can just see managers are trying painfully hard to be too clever. Martinez not starting with Ross Barkley this evening is one of those times.

Former Manchester City midfielder Dennis Tueart
BBC Radio Manchester

"Great move by Everton, and what a fantastic save from Joe Hart. I think it's the first shot he's had to save today, and even 82 minutes in he's still on his toes, still alive, still alert."

Brilliant by Joe Hart. The City goalkeeper has waited 81 minutes before being tested but is alert enough to throw himself to his left and tip Romelu Lukaku's volley wide. That is a reminder of how precarious City's lead is.

Former Manchester City midfielder Dennis Tueart
BBC Radio Manchester

"A draw in this unforgiving title race can be a terrible result, so Manuel Pellegrini has gone to hold on to this win, he's moved to five midfield players with Edin Dzeko holding the line up front. Finishing is his strength, if you give him supply he will get the finish on goal.

"Sometimes you have to win ugly, at this stage of the season you're looking to consolidate going into a big catalogue of games. It's points that matter, not performances."

Frank Lampard almost makes an instant impact. He lays the ball into Edin Dzeko's path but the striker fires over. A good chance spurned.

Here comes Frank Lampard for Manchester City. The central midfielder replaces the lively right winger Jesus Navas. A move to solidify things here for Manuel Pellegrini?

Lampard has scored 174 Premier League goals, leaving him one behind fourth-placed Thierry Henry in the list of all-time goal scorers. and has scored three goals in his last three Premier League starts against Everton.

As things stand, Manchester City will move just three points behind leaders Chelsea while Everton will pass up the chance to move into the Premier League top 10.

Image source, Getty Images

Samuel Eto'o fires woefully over from 20 yards with 14 minutes on the clock.

Everton are coming into this a little bit. They are yet to test goalkeeper Joe Hart but anything can happen in the remaining 17 minutes.

Referee Andre Marriner makes a quick dash to the sideline to get a replacement invisible spray. His appears to have run out...

Kevin Mirallas's free kick is deflected over the bar for a corner. Not a great strike from the Belgian.

Samuel Eto'o is downed by Yaya Toure just yards out from the penalty area. Chance for the visitors...

Image source, Petercrouch10

Stoke City forward Peter Crouch:, external ImPECcable... Great to be back today. Great performance. Enjoyed every minute!

Peter Crouch, Bojan and Jonathan Walters got the first-half goals as Stoke beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium earlier today.

Taimour: What a poor way to treat a young player. Have to feel sorry for Jose Pozo (see 61 mins).

Sanyam Katyal: Feel gutted for Sergio Aguero (see 6 mins)! Was in the form of his life! Hoping not a serious injury!

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You wouldn't have Gareth Barry down as a dirty player but his booking earlier this half means no player has been shown more yellow cards than Gareth Barry in Premier League history. He is currently on 99 with Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer.

Former Manchester City midfielder Dennis Tueart
BBC Radio Manchester

Image source, Reuters

"Manuel Pellegrini is trying to share the load of Sergio Aguero's injury. The young boy Jose Pozo has done well, in a lone front man position he is not completely comfortable in, but now hands over to the experience of Edin Dzeko."

Manchester City are coming on strong, with James Milner looking a constant threat on the right. Jesus Navas's shot is deflected wide for a corner and the longer Everton hang on, the more they will believe they get back in this.

Dzeko's presence does seem to have sparked the hosts back into life...

Jose Pozo's afternoon is over as striker Edin Dzeko comes on for him. The 18-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Sergio Aguero early on, looks disappointed by what seems a tactical decision.

Image source, Opta

A sign of Everton's struggles as an attacking force. Striker Samuel Eto'o has had one touch inside Manchester City's penalty area, while Romelu Lukaku hasn't had any, as shown in the graphic above.

Can Ross Barkley spark Everton into life? The midfielder replaces the ineffectual central midfielder Muhamed Besic and is expected to be asked to play a more advanced role.

Image source, Getty Images

Terrible finish by Everton's Kevin Mirallas. The ball falls invitingly for the Belgian but his shot would still be rising had it not been stopped by row Z.