City see off 10-man Pompey

Darius Vassell and Martin Petrov struck within three first-half minutes of each other before Benjani Mwaruwari's first City goal on home soil finally finished off 10-man Portsmouth and probably killed off their hopes of overhauling fifth-placed Everton in the process.

But while Pompey - who had Hermann Hreidarsson sent off for a cynical block on Vassell after John Utaka had halved the early deficit - must surely be starting to let their minds wander to a Wembley date with Cardiff in May, City, and Eriksson, in particular still have plenty to play for.

Inspired by the powerful Benjani, City took full advantage of an off-day for the Portsmouth defence.

Whether that will suffice for Thaksin has yet to be seen, and Eriksson certainly needs to shore up his team in key areas, specifically in defence and central midfield, if he keeps his position for next season.

Vassell had opened the scoring after a bad mix-up between David James and Sol Campbell and Petrov made it 2-0 from close range barely a minute later.

Utaka's goal gave the visitors hope again after City's makeshift defence was found lacking after Jermain Defoe had headed on Sulley Muntari's cross. But after Hreidarsson's controversial dismissal, Portsmouth were up against it.

The defender tangled with Vassell - whom was holding on to whom was unclear - as the City striker chased a long pass. Hreidarsson was undeniably the last man but it looked as though the ball would have run through to James anyway.

Pompey were then denied by both posts, Muntari hitting the right-hand upright after dribbling past Elano before the ball rebounded to Utaka who shot first-time against the foot of the left-hand post.

But Benjani ended the contest when he placed the ball past James before a muted celebration against his old club.