Tim Cahill has again hit the back of the net for Everton as they recorded a vital 2-1 win over Manchester City overnight.

The Socceroos star netted in just the fourth minute of the City of Manchester Stadium clash with a trademark header before both sides each had a player sent off in a result that denied City the chance to go top of the league table.

After Cahill scored, Leighton Baines doubled the Toffees' advantage in the 19th minute thanks to a perfect layoff from Cahill before their side was reduced to ten men when Victor Anichebe was sent off on the hour-mark for a second yellow.

Man City were back in the contest in the 72nd minute when a Yaya Toure shot rebounded off Everton defender Phil Jagielka and trickled into the back of his own net but the visitors were able to hold off the home side who had Kolo Toure sent off in injury time.

The win, thanks to Cahill's 9th goal of the season, puts Everton up to 14th on the table as City remained third.