Manchester City returned to winning ways after the damaging Premier League loss at Liverpool with a home victory over bottom club Leicester City
Manager Manuel Pellegrini dropped struggling captain Vincent Kompany - and while this was not a wholly convincing performance from the champions it least enabled them to maintain the chase behind leaders Chelsea.
David Silva put the hosts ahead right on half-time but the three points were not completely secure until substitute James Milner turned in a simple finish two minutes from time.
Leicester had chances to increase the home side's anxiety and were convinced they were denied a penalty when striker Wilfried Bony - making his first Manchester City start since the £25m move from Swansea - hauled back Jeff Schlupp in the first half.
Riyad Mahrez also struck the post so it settled the nerves when Milner slid in a cross from Jesus Navas to seal the win.
Pellegrini defended his position in the build-up to this game as speculation mounted he was under growing pressure - and his side still face an uphill task to retain their title as they remain five points adrift of Chelsea having played a game more.
They were nowhere near their best but after the desperate display at Anfield on Sunday, but this was all about the result and in that context this was mission accomplished.
The big call from Pellegrini was dropping Kompany to the bench - however, plenty of attention was focused on Bony as he got his chance to partner Sergio Aguero in City's attack.
And he was a central figure in a first half that was a tale of frustration for the hosts until Silva finally made the breakthrough moments before the break.
Bony had a header cleared off the line by Esteban Cambiasso in the opening minutes and, as well as missing out on two other good opportunities, was also involved in an incident that left Leicester boss Pearson angry in his technical area.
He clearly dragged back Schlupp in the area, raising his hands in an instant gesture of innocence that actually suggested otherwise. There was relief around Etihad Stadium and fury from the visitors as referee Robert Madley was unmoved.
To increase Leicester's frustration, Manchester City went ahead with virtually the last kick of the first period. Wes Morgan did well to block Silva's initial effort, but he tapped in the loose ball with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer scrambling.
Leicester felt they were denied another spot-kick after the restart when Fernando fouled Andrej Kramaric but referee Madley ruled the offence had taken place right on the edge of the box rather than inside. The Croatia forward's resultant free-kick was deflected inches wide.
The visitors were still in contention but it needed a fine save from the veteran Schwarzer to claw away Toure's rising effort.
To remind the hosts of the narrow nature of their lead, Mahrez rolled an angled shot against the foot of a post with keeper Joe Hart motionless.
But Manchester City raised their game in the closing stages and completed the formalities as Milner grabbed a second late on.
You can watch the highlights of the match here
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