Manchester City have stayed hot on the heels of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 3-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

All three City goals came in the first half as the Premier League champions coasted through the final 45 minutes despite a late consolation for the hosts.

Ben Foster gifted Man City the lead inside the first 10 minutes as he dropped a cross at the feet of Fernando, who lifted the ball over the prone goalkeeper before rifling home from close range.

Four minutes after Man City had gone a goal ahead, Yaya Toure made it 2-0 from the spot after Joleon Lescott clumsily brought down David Silva inside the area.

West Brom almost reduced the deficit in the 17th minute, but Saido Berahino's strike flew inches wide of Joe Hart's far post.

City continued to dominate possession but Youssef Mulumbu forced Hart into a save as his shot squirmed through a crowded penalty area.

However, City's attacking midfielders continually caused a threat on the break and Silva thrashed an effort over the bar after good approach play involving Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas.

Ten minutes before the break, Silva put the game beyond the reach of West Brom with a curling finish inside the far post.

After the break, the Baggies showed more attacking intent, but that in turn allowed City more space on the counter-attack and Navas sent a low shot across the face of goal in the 52nd minute that rolled just wide.

West Brom had chances of their own though, and Silvestre Varela volleyed wide before James Morrison saw his 18-yard strike tipped behind by a sprawling Hart.

Lescott should have made amends for conceding a penalty against his former side, but the central defender headed over from Chris Brunt's 74th-minute corner.

Brown Ideye grabbed a late consolation for the Baggies with his first Premier League goal in the 86th minute as he bundled the ball home after Hart dropped a routine catch, but City held on to stay within three points of Chelsea.