In front of 21,500 fans, Zenit secured a 12th win in 15 unbeaten games from the start of this season as Kerzhakov struck on the stroke of half-time and added a second 20 minutes after the interval.

Dinamo Moscow were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Krylya Sovetov after Denis Kolodin's late own goal.

Igor Semshov had given Dinamo a 66th-minute lead but Kolodin diverted the ball into his own net five minutes from time to cancel out that advantage.

In the day's other match, Alania Vladikavkaz capitulated into indiscipline as they went down 2-0 at Terek Grozny.

Junior Mauricio put Terek in front (57) before Georgi Gabulov, already booked, was sent off 12 minutes from time. Rizvan Yutsiev made it 2-0 five minutes later and there was still time for Alania to go down to nine men as substitute Vitali Chochiev was shown a straight red card in the last minute.