Yaya Touré and Carlos Tévez scored second-half goals as Manchester City FC recorded a 2-0 home victory against Chelsea FC, on a day when Newcastle United FC overcame Southampton FC 4-2.

City manager Roberto Mancini insisted before the game that his team are not lacking in motivation, despite trailing leaders Manchester United FC by 15 points. Those words soon looked to have substance as the hosts started with optimism and intent, Petr Čech palming away Matija Nastasić's close-range header and Jack Rodwell centimetres away from turning in Davd Silva's teasing centre.

Rafael Benítez's charges emerged rejuvenated after the break and it was their most potent force – Demba Ba – whose trailing leg was caught by Joe Hart inside the penalty area. The England goalkeeper immediately redeemed himself, however, guessing right to deny Frank Lampard. His save took on heightened significance 11 minutes later when Chelsea's concentration flickered, allowing Touré to caress the ball into the far corner. Tévez put the game to bed with a thumping finish five minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Newcastle came from behind to beat Southampton and move six points clear of the drop zone. Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cissé cancelled out Morgan Schneiderlin's third-minute opener, before Rickie Lambert brought up a century of Saints goals. Yohan Cabaye's penalty restored the home side's lead and any remaining impetus Mauricio Pochettino's visitors had harnessed evaporated when Jos Hooiveld put through his own net.