Man City defeat Portsmouth

Goals from Darius Vassell, Martin Petrov and Benjani were enough to see off Portsmouth; who scored a consolation goal through John Utaka. The victory will quell talks of a potential Sven-Goran Eriksson sacking, as Man City still have an outside chance of European qualification.

Portsmouth could still secure a UEFA Cup berth by winning their FA Cup final clash with Championship side Cardiff City at Wembley on May 17.

Darius Vassell had opened the scoring after a bad mix-up between David James and Sol Campbell, Martin Petrov made it 2-0 before John Utaka's goal gave the visitors hope again.

But after Herman Hreidarsson's controversial dismissal, Portsmouth was up against it and after some bad luck - hitting both posts - Benjani ended the contest.

The result leaves City eighth in the table, one place and two points behind Portsmouth, who remain four points behind Everton, who occupy the fifth place, which brings with it UEFA Cup qualification. Both sides have three games remaining.