Manchester City opened their new Premier League campaign by easing to a 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion this evening.
Yaya Toure gave the Citizens an early lead when his low strike was flicked on by David Silva and deflected into the net by Craig Dawson.
The Ivorian added a second goal with a curling effort into the top corner, before Vincent Kompany headed in a third from a corner to seal the points.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at The Hawthorns.
Match statistics
WEST BROM
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 31%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 12
MANCHESTER CITY
Shots: 19
On target: 7
Possession: 69%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
There can be no doubt that City deserved to pick up the three points this evening. They were by far the better team and were in complete control from the start of the match. Although their first goal came from a fortunate deflection, it summed up their early dominance and Toure's second was certainly no fluke.
West Brom struggled to cope with the quality of their opponents, but they did allow them far too much time and space and failed to put them under any pressure. The Baggies did improve slightly after the break, but Kompany's goal ended any lingering hopes they had of a comeback, as City comfortably eased past the finish line.
West Brom's performance
During the time that Tony Pulis has been in charge of West Brom, the club have become known for producing well-organised and committed displays. However, his team were poor on both accounts this evening and they badly struggled from the very first kick. They were pegged back deep inside their own half and the opening goal came from their inability to clear their lines.
Their two strikers were also isolated for large spells and it contributed to City easily winning the ball back and putting together wave after wave of attacks. Kompany's goal would have proved a sore point for Pulis, as the defender was left completely unmarked to head in a corner. It could prompt the manager to make some changes before the transfer window closes, as more poor displays from his players won't be accepted.
Manchester City's performance
City must have been watching over the weekend as Chelsea and Arsenal slipped up in their Premier League matches and they responded by showing their title credentials. The Citizens hit their stride right from the kickoff and it only seemed a matter of time until they would take the lead. They were dealt a huge slice of luck thanks to two fortunate deflections, but it was no less than they deserved.
If they were more ruthless then the game could have been over by half time, but they were not made to pay and their third goal just before the hour mark essentially sealed the points. A number of players stood out, with Toure and Silva running the midfield, and Kompany looking solid in the defence. The victory was even more welcome due to their poor form in pre-season and they will be delighted to have produced such a display with Chelsea to come at the weekend.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Yaya Toure: The Ivorian struggled to replicate his outstanding goalscoring form last season, but today's performance may be an early indication that he is back to his best. His first goal came from a fortunate deflection, but his second was a superb curling strike into the top corner that no goalkeeper would have saved. He strode through the midfield with ease and his all-round display was a joy to watch for fans of the club.
Biggest gaffe
Saido Berahino had a decent chance to pull a goal back for Albion early in the second half, but after latching on to a pass over the top, he lost his footing and Joe Hart was quickly in to mop up the danger. He was not the only English forward to miss a good chance, as Raheem Sterling should have found the bottom corner at the end of the first half, instead of placing a weak effort towards goal that was saved by Boaz Myhill.
Referee performance
The West Brom fans were upset with Mike Dean on a few occasions this evening, after he booked a number of their club's players. He can hardly be blamed though and he did allow a number of other poor challenges to go in order to let the game flow.
What next?
West Brom: The Baggies will look to bounce back to form when they take on Watford on Saturday.
Manchester City: The Citizens are set to face title rivals Chelsea in their first home match of the season on Sunday.
Alex Meyers
