Robinho and Elano impressed for once as Manchester City saw off West Brom, both in this match and as a Premier League team. Despite the performances of the usually underwhelming Brazilians, it was once again Steven Ireland who was the linchpin in an early move that saw the bald headed midfielder deliver a cross that Robinho crashed home on the volley. 21 minutes in and Meite headed a corner straight up into the air which Nedum Onuoha nodded in for the second. Chris Brunt restored some hope with a fine left-foot strike from the edge of the box and after the break West Brom even pulled level, Chris Brunt claiming his second. It didn’t last long, Elano restoring City’s lead from the spot after the Brazilian was himself fouled in the box. Daniel Sturridge made the game safe with a fourth deep into injury time.
