A James Collins own goal and a Sergio Aguero strike gave Manchester City a 2-0 win against West Ham United in the Premier League this afternoon.
It was not all good news for the champions, though, as David Silva was stretchered off with an apparent head injury at the Etihad Stadium.
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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 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.
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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 picked up from where they left off after the restart, with Aguero playing a one-two with Yaya Toure before bearing down on goal, but Adrian was able to block.
As with the first period, West Ham struggled to get out of their half as City laid siege to their final third, but Stewart Downing was able to send a cross into the home box just after the hour, only for Cole to head harmlessly over.
There was a lengthy break in play midway through the second half when Cheikhou Kouyate caught Silva with his elbow, leading to the Spaniard collapsing to the ground and eventually being stretchered off.
West Ham finished the game strongly as they threatened to pull a goal back, but it proved too little, too late as City saw the game out and secured all three points to tighten their grasp on fourth place.
Giuseppe Labellarte
