City 3 - 0 West Brom (05/02/11)

Three points, Three goals and a clean sheet. The ideal start to the day, made even better by the slip-ups by Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea which allowed us to gain vital ground in our ambitious push for the title. In a record breaking weekend for goals scored, we were the only team not to concede any of the thirty-three, which goes a long way towards banishing any murmurs of a defensive crisis.

An unexpected starting line-up fitting into a similar shape. Pablo Zabaleta started at left back with Alex Kolarov further forward, eliminating the majority of his defensive responsibilities. James Milner came into midfield to partner Gareth Barry with Yaya Toure playing his accustomed forward role. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was Edin Dzeko's relegation to the bench. The formation was less rigid than we have seen this season, with Kolarov and Yaya alternatively joining Silva and Tevez to make up the three pronged attack.

Kolarov's surprise role was one in which we may see a lot more of this season, his attacking credentials have never been questioned and with the reliable Zabaleta behind him he was allowed to express himself more in the final third of the pitch. The decision seemed to be the ace up Mancini's sleeve when Kolarov was bundled over in the box and Carlos obliged in converting the penalty. On the other side of the pitch, Jerome Boateng saw a lot more of the ball than he would have expected. Boateng had possibly his best game so far in a City shirt, rarely losing possession and looking quick and sharp going forward. He was strong at the back, albeit against a week opposition but I remember one superb tack inside our box which earned him a standing ovation.

There were a few good performances against West Brom, Milner looked lively, Barry was reliable and Silva fulfilled his little magicians role as ever. The one player who stood head and heels above the rest, once again, was Carlos Tevez. His hold up play is as good as anyone in the premier league, I don't remember anyone who can play up front on their own as effectively as Carlos does. Again he showed why he is so crucial to the team and despite what some people say, I think if we do lose him in the summer then we could be lost.

I don't think we can take anything from the starting line up to give us any insight to who may start in the derby next weekend. I can't see Nigel De Jong missing out so it may have to be James Milner who drops to the bench.

Some other highlights of the game included Kolarov's 30 yard screamer which could well have been heading into the top corner had it not been for Myhill's intervention. The first real glimpse of the potential in that left foot which may finally start to be living up to it's reputation. Kompany's ability to bring the ball out of defence seems to be a more regular occurrence, this time having a big part in Tevez' second goal.

With a hat-trick in the bag and a clean sheet, this was the perfect way to warm up for the big one next Saturday.