Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero scored two minutes apart as Manchester City came from behind late to beat Watford 2-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday.
The win, City's first away from home in the league since September, was scrappy but the three points were vital for Manuel Pellegrini's side.
City were only a point behind second-place Leicester and three behind leader Arsenal in the standings.
"We have to build on this - we hadn't won in six on the road," goalkeeper Joe Hart said. "It's not championship-winning form but we're somehow still in it."
After a goalless first half at Vicarage Road, hosts Watford went ahead early in the second when Aleksandar Kolarov headed Ben Watson's inswinging corner into his own net.
City responded by switching Raheem Sterling with Jesus Navas, but Watford's defense remained stubborn.
The home side was put under pressure when Kevin de Bruyne's fierce low strike from 25 yards was turned around the post by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, but 10 minutes later had an opening to extend its lead when Etienne Capoue skipped past three challenges before shooting high over the bar.
City eventually breached Watford's backline in the 82nd minute, when Toure struck.
The midfielder escaped his marker at a corner and sent Kolarov's delivery high into the net with a masterful left-footed strike.
Moments later, Aguero leapt highest to reach a searching cross from Bacary Sagna, and sent his header looping over Gomes and into the far corner.
Watford were stunned, but did not wilt. Top-scorer Odion Ighalo had a good chance to level but sent a tame effort straight at Hart from 10 yards after doing well to swivel.
The equalizer never came and Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores felt his side was taught a tough lesson by City.
"It was very difficult to accept," Flores said. "It's very difficult to explain to the players why we haven't won today - we did everything good."
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