Everton dealt Manchester City a potentially fatal blow in their bid to retain the Barclays Premier League title after a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.
Leon Osman's strike in the 32nd minute and Nikica Jelavic's goal with virtually the last kick of the game, casts Roberto Mancini's men 12 points adrift of rivals Manchester United having played one match more.
City were denied a clear penalty in the final minutes after referee Lee Probert adjudged Marouane Fellaini's handball to be outside the area despite the offence taking place in the box.
Everton were reduced to ten men on the hour mark when Steven Pienaar was shown a red card following two bookable offences.
But the hosts, who gave their own top-four aspirations a boost with the victory, claimed three points with reserve goalkeeper Jan Mucha pulling off a string of fine saves before Jelavic's late strike secured the win.
United could stretch their lead over City to 15 points with just nine games of the season remaining if they beat Reading later today.
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On target: Leon Osman struck for Everton in the 32nd minute of today's lunchtime kick-off at Goodison Park
Hitting the heights: Darron Gibson hauls Osman up by the collar after the diminutive midfielder gave Everton the lead
Over the blue moon: Osman celebrates his strike at Goodison Park
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Early bath: Steven Pienaar received a red card after picking up two bookings - the second for a foul on Javi Garcia
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