Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has described his side's 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday as "comfortable".
The Baggies were reduced to 10 men after just 89 seconds when Gareth McAuley was sent off for what referee Neil Swarbrick perceived to be a tackle on Wilfried Bony in the area.
Tony Pulis's charges never recovered from that early blow, as the Citizens saw Bony, Fernando and David Silva score three unanswered goals to secure victory.
Pellegrini told BBC Sport after the game: "It was a comfortable win because we played with one player more for 89 minutes. Today we defended well and we concentrated well not to allow them to score.
"Unfortunately for West Brom, the rule is clear. He was the last man but the game is different when you have to play with one less player. It was a clear red card.
"Wilfried Bony is new in the squad and arrived after playing in the Africa Cup of Nations and he felt that. Every day, he is settling better and he is doing very well."
The result puts Man City three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have two games in hand.
Giuseppe Labellarte
