Manchester City have held off a second-half fight-back from Fulham to grab a 4-2 win at Craven Cottage and move into second place in the Premier League table.

The hosts had the game's first real chance as Adel Taarabt found himself with space having been played in behind the defence by Kieran Richardson, though the striker's effort was comfortably kept out by Joe Hart.

City hit back with their opening chance minutes later as David Silva lashed the ball against the crossbar, before Edin Dzeko blasted the ball wide from a few yards out having picked up possession from a corner.

Yaya Toure turned the first half in favour of the visitors as he notched his fourth goal from a free kick this season, as the midfielder whipped the ball into the top corner with his right foot in the 23rd minute.

City doubled their lead just before the end of the first half as Vincent Kompany rose to power a header home.

The hosts pulled a goal back straight after the break when Richardson lashed a shot into the bottom corner having been found by Taarabt in the 50th minute.

Fulham were then level in the 70th minute when City captain Kompany sliced the ball into his own net having looked to clear away the danger from his box.

However, Jesus Navas converted from a difficult angle in the 78th minute, before James Milner notched a fourth in the 83rd to spare City's blushes and put an end to Fulham's hopes of a comeback victory.