Yaya Toure was the hero as Manchester City won 2-0 at Newcastle United on Sunday to all but assure them of the English football title in the stadium where they got the last one in 1968.

Toure broke the deadlock with 20 minutes left with a curling shot from outside the area and wrapped up matters from short range in the 89th minute at St James’ Park.

City tied on 86 points points with holders Manchester United but take a superior goal difference of eight into their May 13 finale against relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers.

United beat Swansea 2-0 to keep alive their title chance ahead of a last-round visit to mid-table Sunderland.

City claimed their last title in 1968 ahead of United by winning their final game 4-3 at St James’ Park, but they are not yet ready to celebrate again.

“It is not enough. We have another difficult game like today,” manager Roberto Mancini said. “It was a difficult game, Newcastle are a good team.”

Toure said: “I am very happy, it is the first time I have scored two goals in one game in my career. And it brings us closer to the cup. I am happy with my performance and the performance of the team.

“We have to be careful, it is not over. QPR are fighting for relegation and that will not be easy. But we are at home, that will give us the advantage.”

Newcastle failed to capitalise from Arsenal’s 3-3 slip-up against Norwich, trailing the third-placed Gunners by two points in fifth-place for a certain place in the next Champions League.