Strikers Nicolas Anelka and Shaun Goater combined to earn Manchester City victory over struggling West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
The duo were both on target in the second half as City enjoyed another successful trip to the West Midlands having beaten Birmingham City in their previous match - a success that ended a run of three successive League defeats.
Albion, who were briefly on level terms following a Neil Clement free-kick, are in danger of seeing their season spiral completely out of control.
They are marooned in the relegation zone after losing five of their last six League games and taking just one point from a possible 18.
With Israeli international midfielder, Eyal Berkovic, dictating affairs for City, Keegan's side could easily have taken a stranglehold on affairs before half time.
But they squandered three golden chances as Albion struggled to make an impact of their own.
Bermudan international Goater saw his close-range drive blocked by Albion central defender Darren Moore after 12 minutes before Sylvain Distin headed wide three minutes later.
But City's best first half opening fell to Anelka when he capitalised on a mix-up in the Albion defence to pounce on a loose ball.
He was the faced with only Russell Hoult to beat but saw his weak shot comfortably saved by the Albion goalkeeper.
Albion, who had briefly threatened with long range drives from Andy Johnson and Igor Balis, finally saw their luck run out six minutes into the second period.
Unsurprisingly, Berkovic was at the heart of the move that was started and finished by Anelka.
Anelka fed Goater who then picked out Berkovic. The Israeli international then whipped in a cross that Anelka prodded into an empty net from six yards.
It should have been the signal for City to cruise to a comfortable win. But they handed Albion a lifeline ten minutes later when Marc Foe fouled the Albion striker Jason Roberts.
The offence was committed some 30 yards from goal, but referee David Elleray moved three free-kick forward 10 yards after Berkovic encroached. It gave Clement the chance to drill his free-kick past Carlo Nash.
Berkovic's enthusiasm could have proved costly for City. But Goater ensured that it was not. He capitalised on a pass from Anelka and had the simple task of turning the ball home from 10 yards.
Goater then should have added his second in injury time only to hit the post.