Yaya Touré 3' (pen), Nasri 45', Lambert 37' (pen)
Džeko 45', Jovetić 81'
(The blues solidified their title credentials with an emphatic 4-1 win over Southampton on Saturday afternoon - via @MCFC)
Sizzling City send Pochettino's European prospects South.
The seas of suspense submerged a solemn Manchester City audience on Saturday afternoon as the blues commenced their final march towards the Premier League title. But elation took the place of anxiety at 14.30pm as the Etihad rose to their feet to applaud yet another rhythmic composition orchestrated by their Mediterranean maestro David Silva.
A depleted crowd could be forgiven for saving their appetites for next week's Sunday roasting of Liverpool, but the seeming lack of focus on a side that bear the bulk of the England national squad's hopes for Brazil could be afforded no such pardon in the build up to the game. Wielding an army of ardent adolescents, Mauricio Pochettino's side certainly had enough to bring a premature end to City's title hopes.
(Luke Shaw, 18, and James Ward-Prowse, 19, make up just two of Southampton's extensive list of talented youngsters)
Three minutes in and the resounding footsteps of Ivorian powerhouse Yaya Touré obliterated the pre-match jitters as he stroked in an early penalty kick. Edin Džeko's teasing drive into the box caught José Fonte flat-footed and the Portuguese defender could only wave a loose leg to bring down the Bosnian inside the area.
(Yaya Touré celebrates his 10th set piece goal of the season)
Touré's 18th league goal of the season prescribed the Etihad with a soothing dose of relief early on, but the Saints responded determinedly and commanded most of the half's play. However, for all their possession, the visitors struggled to test Hart's goal and their impetus in attack was swiftly removed when Jay Rodriguez jumped for the ball and landed awkwardly on his right knee.
The forward, who was providing a constant menace to City's back line, immediately collapsed to the ground and was stretchered off the field of play under the troubled eyes of Roy Hodgson and a sympathetic Mancunian audience. The 24-year-old has scored 15 league goals this season and was certain to occupy one of the seats heading to Brazil this summer, but early indications suggest the injury will prevent him from playing in his first ever World Cup.
(Jay Rodriguez clutches his knee after an unfortunate landing)
But Rickie Lambert, still in contention for a place in Hodgson's 23-man squad, solidified his chances of a trip to South America with an equaliser from the spot late in the first half. Pablo Zabaleta left a late leg on Jack Cork as he propelled into the box and the Argentine's slovenly defending was punished by Chris Foy who pointed to the penalty spot.
(Rickie Lambert dispatches from the spot to give his side a deserved equaliser)
A lengthy spell of dominance enjoyed by the Saints was deserving of the equaliser, and Pellegrini's men began to dwell on chances squandered in the first five minutes. However, Jay Rodriguez's injury had added a valuable four minutes stoppage time to the first half, and the blues, with the aid of an outrageous refereeing decision, were able to approach the tunnel with an undeserved 2-1 lead.
A sumptuous passage of play involving Yaya Touré, Edin Džeko and David Silva presented Samir Nasri with a tap in to secure his fifth goal of the season, but the Spaniard's magic successfully convinced the linesman that he was not in-fact four yards offside.
(Samir Nasri finishes off a controversial City move for a valuable lead at the break)
With luck firmly on their side, the blues began to seduce their guests with the enchanting play that has infused their season under Manuel Pellegrini. David Silva, operating in the number 10 role just behind Džeko, was exhibiting his intelligence yet again and just seconds into the second half, City's brilliance was rewarded with a third.
Aleksandar Kolarov's menacing cross found the head of Edin Džeko in the box who nodded past Paulo Gazzaniga to all but bury Southampton's hopes of a result. It's difficult to name a better provider of the cross than Kolarov this season, and the Serbian has flourished under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini in the attacking full-back role.
(Džeko is mobbed by his teammates after scoring his 11th league goal of the season)
Sunken by the appalling decision that indubitably crumpled their momentum in the first half, Southampton allowed their hosts to stroll to a comfortable victory in the end. Stevan Jovetić, who was welcomed by a thunderous ovation from his admiring fans, completed the scoring with a tap in with just ten minutes left to play.
Jesus Navas's fizzing cross escaped the boot of Álvaro Negredo and rolled into the path of the Montenegrin who put away his second league goal of the season with ease.
(Stevan Jovetić makes it four with a tap in)
The blues afforded their guests too much possession in the first half, and against more clinical opposition, the four goals that decorated their performance would not have been so available to them. Fortunately, the individual class of City's midfield often takes responsibility in collectively languid displays, but another mauling at the Etihad on Saturday offers a false view of City's form. There's no doubt that we've improved in recent weeks, but periods of flatness often stain our performances. Next week, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge may not be so forgiving.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 6 - Given time to focus on his distribution in a game where he was relatively untested. Reportedly visited the Southampton dressing room at the end of the game to give his best wishes to the injured Jay Rodriguez.
Pablo Zabaleta 6 - Gave away a silly penalty in an otherwise solid performance.
Vincent Kompany 7 - Commanded his back four in typically commanding fashion and never allowed Rodriguez or Lambert to penetrate City's walls. 
Martin Demichelis 7 - Has well and truly settled into City's defence and gave another composed performance alongside Kompany on Saturday afternoon.
Aleksandar Kolarov 7 - Provided the blues with a menacing option down the left flank and his delivery was spot on once again to provide for Džeko's header.
Fernandinho 6 - One of the Brazilian's quieter performances in a City shirt and he wasn't able to drive the blues forward with his usual energy. Substituted at half time to avoid a second yellow.
Yaya Touré 6 - Scored City's opener but appeared to lose his head late in the second half when he dived pathetically in the Southampton box.
Jesus Navas 6 - Caused Luke Shaw all sorts of problems early on but began to fade out of the game when Southampton took control.
David Silva 8 - Collected his fourth man of the match award in five games with another majestic display. At the heart of every City attack and some of his touches were a joy to watch.
Samir Nasri 7.5 - Glimmered alongside Silva - darting in and out of Southampton's defence. Scored a rather controversial goal that kick-started City's dominance in the second half.
Edin Džeko 7.5 - Involved in every goal and was afforded a considerable break to prepare him for next week's tie with Liverpool.Substitutes
Javi Garcia 7 - Played an instrumental role in calming City's play in the second half
Álvaro Negredo 6 - Tried desperately to get his name on the scoresheet, but missed two great opportunities. The drought goes on.
Stevan Jovetić 7 - Scored in a charismatic cameo.
Match Stats
Shots on target: Manchester City 8 - 1 Southampton
Shots off target: Manchester City 5 - 3 Southampton
Blocked shots: Manchester City 2 - 1 Southampton
Fouls: Manchester City 8 - 15 Southampton
Pass Completion: Manchester City 81% - 87% Southampton
Tackle Success: Manchester City 44% - 32% Southampton
