(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Manchester City put itself on course to win its first English championship since 1968 by beating host Newcastle 2-0 Sunday behind two goals by Yaya Toure.

Manchester United defeated Swansea 2-0 on first-half goals by Paul Scholes and Ashley Young. The win pulled the defending champions even on points with Manchester City, but with a significantly inferior goal difference.

City almost certainly will win the Premier League if it defeats struggling Queens Park Rangers in its final match next weekend. United is at Sunderland next Sunday.

"It's not finished," Toure said. "We have one game left and we have to be careful as QPR are fighting to stay in the Premier League. We have to continue to work hard and believe. This is brilliant for us, though."

Toure exchanged passes with Sergio Aguero on the edge of the penalty area in the 70th minute before curling a right-footed shot past diving goalkeeper Tim Krul. The Ivory Coast midfielder scored again with a minute left as City exploited space left by Newcastle as it tried to even the score.

The result damaged Newcastle's hopes of finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League. Fourth-place Tottenham drew 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. U.S. star Clint Dempsey scored his 50th Premier League goal to help Fulham down Sunderland 2-1. This was Dempsey's 17th Premier League goal this season and 23rd overall.

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