Goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure helped Manchester City to record a 2-1 victory in their home clash with West Ham United this afternoon.
The duo scored either side of the break, before Andy Carroll added a consolation for the visiting Londoners in stoppage time.
Sports Mole looks back over the encounter to determine if the Hammers can argue that they deserved something for their efforts.
Match statistics:
Man City:
Shots 16
On target 10
Possession 61%
Corners 9
Fouls 9
West Ham:
Shots 9
On target 6
Possession 39%
Corners 4
Fouls 7
Was the result fair?
A 2-1 scoreline would normally have you believe that it was a close encounter that could have gone either way - not today though. City were the dominant force and were worthy winners. Had they have scored one or two more goals, West Ham could not really have any complaints.
Man City's performance
It looked as though some of their players were pining for their summer holidays, but City were still able to cruise to victory. Both of their goals were top class, with the only negative for Roberto Mancini being the fact that his team only scored twice. The Italian boss may also have an injury worry over Joe Hart now after the goalkeeper appeared to pick up a back complaint in the closing stages.
West Ham's performance
Had West Ham played the first half with the same attitude as they did the second 45 minutes, they may have left the Etihad Stadium with a share of the spoils. Quite honestly, they were far too negative early on. It improved after the restart and they caused a handful of problems, but it was a case of too little too late.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Joleon Lescott: He has spent most of the season on the bench, but Lescott showed his class today up against Carroll. The West Ham striker is a tricky customer to deal with, but the England defender did a really good job and showed that he was ready for the physical battle. It's no coincidence that Carroll scored when he was marked by substitute Kolo Toure and not Lescott.
Biggest gaffe
No professional footballer should miss a virtual open goal from six yards out - especially one with Samir Nasri's ability. The French international did just that though when Carlos Tevez sent over the perfect cross, only for Nasri to totally miss the ball, which was then easily cleared to safety. Any sort of contact and the former Arsenal player would have scored.
Referee performance
You know what you are going to get when Howard Webb is the man with the whistle. He allowed the game to flow and you can see that the players have a lot of respect for him. That's why he is arguably the best referee that England has to offer.
What next?
Man City: Next Saturday the Citizens will travel to Swansea City's Liberty Stadium - a ground where they lost 1-0 last season.
West Ham: On the same day the Hammers will play host to Newcastle United at Upton Park.
Liam Apicella
