A James Collins own goal and a Sergio Aguero strike have given Manchester City a 2-0 lead against West Ham United in this afternoon's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero follows up as the ball bounces into the goal after a big deflection off West Ham United's Welsh defender James Collins for a West Ham own goal to open the scoring during the English Premier League footba © Getty Images

The hosts were quickest out of the starting blocks as Jesus Navas charged down the right wing in the second minute and whipped a threatening cross into the box that West Ham were able to clear.

West Ham were unable to even enter the opposition half as the Premier League champions carried on pushing forward, testing Adrian through efforts from David Silva, Aguero and Aleksandar Kolarov.

City eventually broke the deadlock just after the quarter-hour mark when Navas bore down on Hammers territory and curled a cross that Collins sliced over his own keeper and in off the bar from 18 yards out.

Sam Allardyce's charges improved after conceding as Carlton Cole pounced on Martin Demichelis's miscued pass to force a smart save from Joe Hart on the half-hour mark, while Enner Valencia's low drive from outside the box moments later was also stopped.

However, the visitors were unable to stop City from doubling their lead in the 36th minute when Aguero played a one-two with Navas before collecting the ball in the box to slot underneath Adrian.

Manuel Pellegrini's side ended the half strongly and could have notched up another goal before the break as West Ham struggled to handle their rampant opponents.