Only a win would keep City in control of the title race, while Everton needed a win to keep their slim hopes of a fourth place finish alive.
A stunning goal from 34 yards out by talented youngster Ross Barkley put the Toffees in front, another good reason for England manager Roy Hodgson, who was in attendance, to put him on the plane to Brazil.
Sergio Aguero cancelled out the opener with one of his own before being subbed with a suspected groin injury. City didn’t appear to miss the Argentine forward with Edin Dzeko scoring two of his own but Romelu Lukaku kept Everton in it, bringing the score up to 3-2.
With seven minutes of extra time awarded, City were anxious for the full time whistle and when it came the Citizens were back at the top of the table with a game in hand and have effectively ended Everton’s Champion’s League ambitions.