Eyal Berkovic steered 10-man Manchester City to victory and kept Kevin Keegan's side on course for the Premiership.

The Israeli international capped an inspirational display by scoring twice and having a hand in the other at Maine Road.

City gave a performance full of character after Danny Tiatto was sent off in the 11th minute to consolidate their position at the top of the First Division.

The Australian international was given a straight red card by referee Roy Pearson following a touchline tussle with Steen Nedergaard and now faces an automatic three-match ban.

Tiatto appeared to throw a punch in the Dane's direction and Nedergaard needed treatment in the incident that was missed by Pearson. He was alerted by the fourth official Michael Ryan.

Pearson then dismissed Tiatto, who responded by kicking the water bottles at the side of the pitch and had to be wrestled away from a confrontation with a member of the Norwich bench by Keegan.

Tiatto's dismissal so early in the game gave the First Division leaders an uphill task. But they dug in and took the lead through Berkovic two minutes before the break.

David Nielsen grabbed the equaliser, only for Paulo Wanchope to score from the spot and Berkovic to add a third in a spirited fightback.

City made a bright start and the home fans screamed for a penalty after four minutes when Shaun Wright-Phillips appeared to be bundled over by Craig Fleming. But referee Pearson would have none of it and awarded a corner instead as Wright-Phillips shook his head in disbelief.

A minute later Steve Howey headed narrowly wide after Ali Benarbia had scooped the ball up in a crowded area.

City kept up the pressure and Berkovic released Wright-Phillips in a good position but he played the ball back instead of trying his luck on goal.

Then came Tiatto's dismissal and City suffered another setback in the 21st minute when Howey limped off. He was replaced by Paul Ritchie.

Norwich began to find their rhythm and City keeper Carlo Nash did well to turn away a header from Paul McVeigh.

Then Nielsen dragged a shot wide of the post from close range after Gary Holt had carved out the opening.

City retaliated and Berkovic latched onto Benarbia's free-kick, only to see his fierce shot deflected to safety.

Berkovic was again out of luck in the 41st minute when his effort went narrowly wide after Wanchope had delivered the cross.

The Israeli international, however, made the breakthrough two minutes before the interval with a clinical finish after Shaun Goater had squared the ball into his path.

Norwich needed only two minutes of the second half to draw level Nielsen took advantage of poor marking to power a header beyond keeper Nash following a cross from Alex Notman.

That goal was just the spur Norwich needed and they almost pulled ahead through Darel Russell. His shot from 20 yards was hit straight and true but Nash reacted superbly to divert it to safety.

City regained the lead in the 61st minute when Berkovic released Goater. He was brought down by Norwich keeper Robert Green and referee Pearson had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Wanchope stepped up to score his 11th goal of the season and his fifth in his last four games.

City increased their lead and sewed the game up in the 65th minute when Berkovic grabbed his second goal of the game with a wonderful individual effort.

Surrounded by three Norwich defenders he gave them all the slip before steering the ball between keeper Green's legs.

Teams:

Man City: Nash, Dunne, Howey (Ritchie 21), Pearce, Wright-Phillips, Benarbia, Horlock, Berkovic (Killen 86), Tiatto, Goater (Huckerby 62), Wanchope.

Subs Not Used: Weaver, Negouai.

Sent Off: Tiatto (12).

Booked: Horlock, Wanchope, Wright-Phillips.

Goals: Berkovic 43, Wanchope 62 pen, Berkovic 66.

Norwich: Green, Drury, Mackay, Fleming, Nedergaard (Rivers 69), Holt, Russell (Easton 69), Kenton, McVeigh, Nielsen, Notman (Libbra 68).

Subs Not Used: Crichton, Sutch.

Booked: Russell, Mackay.

Goals: Nielsen 47.

Att: 31,794

Ref: R Pearson (Peterlee).