Manchester City kept pace with Premier League leaders Chelsea on Boxing Day with a comfortable 3-1 victory away to West Bromwich Albion.
The champions scored all of their goals during a dominant first-half display as Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva all found the net.
West Brom were rewarded for their improved performance after the break when Brown Ideye scored a late consolation, but it was not enough to stop the Baggies losing for the fourth time in six games.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at The Hawthorns.
Match statistics
WEST BROM
Shots: 18
On target: 6
Possession: 48%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 5
MAN CITY
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 52%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
There can be no doubt whatsoever that Manchester City deserved the three points. The champions did pretty much all of the damage during a blistering first half, allowing them the opportunity to take their foot off the gas after the break.
West Brom's performance
The Baggies' recent rot continued in the first half with a truly woeful display. They were unable to compete with the power and pace of City, though they did create one or two decent chances that could have changed the complexion of the game had they gone in. Instead, they were made to pay for their mistakes by the ruthless visitors. West Brom showed signs of improvement after the break as City saved their energy, and they were duly rewarded for their efforts late on when Brown Ideye found the net in fortunate circumstances. However, the main concern for manager Alan Irvine will be the lack of coherence among his players. There was little to suggest that this was a team playing for each other. Paired with a paucity of discipline, organisation and inspiration, this was another bad day at the office.
Man City's performance
The champions were superb in the first half as the likes of David Silva, Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas tore the home side to shreds. Considering that they were playing without a recognised striker, it was impressive just how dangerous City looked in the final third. Meanwhile, Fernando and Yaya Toure did a solid job of anchoring the midfield. There were a couple of moments when the visitors appeared vulnerable in defence, though they were let off the hook by some poor finishing from West Brom. Having done all of the hard work in the first half, Manuel Pellegrini's side eased up after the break, though not in an unprofessional manner. Rather, they were quite content to soak up any West Brom pressure and hit them on the counter-attack. With seven consecutive wins under their belt, the Blues are hitting their stride at just the right time.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: The diminutive Spaniard was Manchester City's ringmaster yet again in midfield. Silva's pace, movement and vision in advanced areas were a problem for West Brom all afternoon, and he also had a hand in all three of his side's goals. The Blues will need to keep him wrapped up in cotton wool for the remainder of the season because they look far less potent without him.
Biggest gaffe
Joleon Lescott had a nightmare against his former club in the build-up to City's third goal. A poor pass from the defender was seized upon by Fernando before Silva eventually fired in. For a centre-back of his experience, you would have expected him not to put his side in trouble like that.
Referee performance
Mark Clattenburg had a solid afternoon at The Hawthorns, doing his best to allow the game to flow, particularly in the second half. His biggest decision came during the opening 15 minutes when he awarded City a penalty for Lescott's foul on Silva. The West Brom defender protested his innocence, though it was ultimately the right call from Clattenburg.
What next?
West Brom: The Baggies continue their Premier League campaign on Sunday when they travel to Stoke City.
Man City: The champions are back in Premier League action on Sunday when Burnley visit the Etihad Stadium.
Jack Prescott
