Sergio Aguero scored all four goals for Manchester City on Saturday as they kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 4-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Argentine striker gave City the lead on 12 minutes, but Spurs equalised just two minutes later through Christian Eriksen.
Aguero put the hosts in front once again on 19 minutes from the penalty spot, though he saw a second spot kick saved by Hugo Lloris before the break.
Spurs had a glorious chance to level things up on the hour after referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot for the third time, but Roberto Soldado was denied from 12 yards by Joe Hart.
The visitors were made to pay as Aguero made it 3-1 with yet another penalty after Federico Fazio had been sent off for a foul on the forward, and City's talisman completed the scoring on 75 minutes to give his side the points.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the teams at the Etihad Stadium.
Match statistics
MAN CITY
Shots: 20
On target: 12
Possession: 62%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 11
SPURS
Shots: 19
On target: 7
Possession: 38%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
Spurs certainly played their part in an entertaining encounter thanks to some good attacking football, but hosts City deservedly came away with the points in the end. The champions were ruthless up front due to the antics of Aguero, and their consistency over the 90 minutes was enough to see them through with ease come the final whistle.
Man City's performance
Manuel Pellegrini will be pleased with the focus, patience and energy that his side showed during the match as City maintained their challenge near the top of the table. The Blues had to be solid in defence, particularly in the first half when Spurs looked at their most dangerous, while they battled well in midfield to keep on top throughout. However, it was in attack where they really came into their own. Aguero, David Silva and Jesus Navas all gave Spurs a torrid time in the final third with their quick movement, skillful passing and, in Aguero's case, deadly finishing. There have been one or two shaky performances from City during the opening couple of months of the season, but this was more like the team that swept others aside last year.
Spurs' performance
This was all too familiar for the visitors, who crumbled yet again against City. Mauricio Pochettino's side showed glimpses of what they are capable of with some slick counter-attacking football that was led by Eriksen, but they failed to keep this up for the whole 90 minutes and were ultimately exposed. There was not enough organisation in defence (is Younes Kaboul really the right man to be captain?), while the midfield was often overwhelmed by City's dogged determination and superior hunger. Combine this with a woeful display up front from Roberto Soldado and you have a team that has not really improved on last season.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Sergio Aguero: Was anyone else really going to win this award? The Argentine striker was at his bullish best, ending the game with four goals to his name. Aguero overpowered the Spurs defence all afternoon, creating space for himself and having a whale of the time getting in behind the back four. When he is in this kind of form there are few better around.
Biggest gaffe
With his side trailing 1-2, Soldado had a superb chance to get them level from the spot after the striker had been fouled by Martin Demichelis. However, the Spaniard's day was summed up by his spot kick being saved by Hart. Had it gone in, who knows how the game could have ended. Despite having had plenty of time to adjust to the Premier League, it looks as if Soldado is not the right man for Spurs.
Referee performance
Jon Moss had an eventful afternoon at the Etihad Stadium due to the fact that he awarded a total of four penalties during the 90 minutes. Two of those decisions - the fouls on Frank Lampard and Soldado - were poor decisions. Meanwhile, his red card for Fazio was also controversial. A yellow card may have been the correct call, so expect Spurs to appeal the dismissal.
What next?
Man City: The Blues continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday when they travel to CSKA Moscow.
Spurs: Tottenham are back in Europa League action on Thursday with the visit of Asteras Tripolis.
Jack Prescott
