Ivory Coast midfielder Toure struck twice in the second half at St James's Park to move Premier League leaders City three points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who were due to face Swansea at Old Trafford later yesterday.

Roberto Mancini's men now know that they will be champions for the first time since 1968 if they win their remaining game at home to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, unless United can somehow bridge City's plus-10 advantage over their local rivals in the goal difference column.

By coincidence, City's 1968 title triumph was confirmed by a 4-3 victory at Newcastle and the reaction of their supporters at the final whistle suggested they have already anointed Mancini's team as the new champions. Toure's goals also had significance for Newcastle, who began this game with an eye on a place in next season's Champions League - and even a top-three finish - in the wake of Arsenal's failure to beat Norwich.

Now, facing an awkward final game at Everton, Alan Pardew's team may have to be content with a place in the Europa League. City certainly warranted their success, but they were far from fluent as Newcastle frustrated them for long periods and looked equipped to emerge with a point until Toure's crucial contributions.

Other results from yesterdayFulham 2, Sunderland 1; QPR 1, Stoke 0; Aston Villa 1, Tottenham 1; Bolton 2, West Brom 2; Wolverhampton 0, Everton 0.

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Thu Jun 20 13:06:29 SAST 2013 ::

May 7, 2012

Keafixa

Man U must just forget about the league
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May 7, 2012

Papage

Congradulations to all African Players doing duties overseas, We are proud of you guys. to be direct Drogba & Toare, you did very well for your teams. good luck
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May 7, 2012

Lehido

Man U is seeing kak this year
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May 7, 2012

maftowncity

@Papage
You are 100% correct my broer Afr Players are doing exceptionally well abroad..aish Traore is one hell of hard working box midfielders i like,tough,strong and solid...reads the game well and takes responsibility where it matters the most..
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May 7, 2012

maftowncity

Traore=Toure
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