First-half goals from Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Aleksandar Kolarov have left Queens Park Rangers on the verge of being relegated.
The Hoops went into the clash at the Etihad Stadium knowing that only a victory would suffice if they were to preserve their Premier League status for another week, but, as early as the fourth minute, the situation looked bleak.
Aguero inherited possession inside the QPR half and, having been allowed to ghost past a number of visiting defenders, the Argentine then showed good composure to lift the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Robert Green.
It was the City striker's 23rd Premier League goal of the campaign and also his fourth against the West Londoners in five outings.
It was a positive response to having fallen behind by QPR, who had the ball in the net in the 19th minute, only for Charlie Austin's downward header to be ruled out for offside. It was the third goal that Austin has had disallowed in two games against City this term.
There was then further disappointment in the 32nd minute as the hosts doubled their advantage, with Aguero once again heavily involved.
It was he that was fouled by Richard Dunne 25 yards from goal and, from the resultant free kick, City left-back Kolarov curled his effort through the QPR wall and beyond the reach of Green.
Three minutes later, Aguero raced clear of the visiting defence, but his low shot was saved by Green, while up the other Leroy Fer's chipped effort struck the crossbar and an off-balance Bobby Zamora could only head into the hands of City goalkeeper Joe Hart from the rebound.
As the half drew to a close, City remained on top of proceedings, although they were unable to improve their position further before referee Mike Dean blew the whistle for the break.
