Manchester City went into Saturday's encounter with Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium knowing that a victory would temporarily move them to the top of the Premier League table.
David Silva gave the home side a first-half lead before Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez both converted controversial penalties at the start of the second period.
The Argentine pairing then added to their tallies as the champions maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a conclusive 5-0 triumph.
Sports Mole takes a closer look at a successful afternoon for Roberto Mancini's side.
Match statistics:
Man City:
Shots 21
On target 8
Possession 59%
Corners 9
Fouls 9
Aston Villa:
Shots 10
On target 8
Possession 41%
Corners 4
Fouls 4
Was the result fair?
City were deserved winners, but the scoreline certainly flattered them. The two harsh penalty decisions all but ended Villa's chances of an equaliser after they had looked threatening on the break.
Man City's performance
Despite the eye-catching result, it was by no means vintage from Mancini's men. However, they created enough opportunities to warrant the three points. There wasn't much in the way of flair when they went forward but persistence yet again paid off for them.
Aston Villa's performance
The visitors launched some threatening counter-attacks in the first half, only to capitulate following City's second goal. They played with some confidence, although manager Paul Lambert could struggle to lift his players now that they are in the drop zone.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Yaya Toure: When his team needed to be dragged forward, it was the Ivorian who was there to do it. Dynamic, committed and always positive - Toure helped force his side to the top of the table.
Biggest gaffe of the game:
The first penalty decision was cruel on Villa and should never have been given. It was the linesman who flagged for handball when the ball had clearly hit Andreas Weimann's shoulder. What game he was watching is anyone's guess.
Referee performance
Jon Moss was having a solid afternoon until he awarded City their first spot kick. The second was questionable as well, as Barry Bannan could do little to get his hand out of the way of a cross.
What next?
Man City: The Blues face a must-win match in the Champions League when they take on some team from Spain called Real Madrid.
Aston Villa: The Villans face a difficult trip to Arsenal in the league.
