Leroy Sane inspired Manchester City to their eighth successive Premier League win with victory at West Brom which re-established their five-point lead in the table.
The Germany winger joined Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on eight goals for the season when his vicious strike from 15 yards flew past keeper Ben Foster.
The Baggies hit back only three minutes later when Jay Rodriguez lifted his effort past Ederson after Gareth Barry played him in.
But the euphoria from the home support once again returned to derision soon after the restart when Sane supplied Fernandinho and his drive deflected off a couple of Baggies players and hit the foot of the post before trickling in.
West Brom once again sat back after the break and were punished in the 64th minute when substitute Raheem Sterling tapped in his ninth of the season after a swift move started by the excellent Sane.
Matt Phillips anticipated well to score Albion’s second late on, after City defender Nicolas Otamendi tried to chest the ball back to his keeper Ederson, but there was barely enough time for West Brom to mount another attack as City made it 28 points from 30.
Sane more than a support act
Sane’s pedigree was never in doubt, but his rapid ascension since joining City in August 2016 might have surprised a few.
The German is only 21 but is proving to be an indispensable figure in Pep Guardiola’s side.
The former Schalke midfielder, who scored nine goal in 37 appearances in his first campaign, has already scored eight this season.
He was outstanding on the left and, with forward Gabriel Jesus off key, the most potent threat for City.
His goal was memorable. Fernandinho found his team-mate with a 10-yard pass and Sane jinked one way then the other before he arrowed in a fierce effort from the left of the area.
He turned provider when he laid the ball to Fernandinho for the second before beginning the sweeping move for the third.
Earlier this week, Sane praised Guardiola for changing his game – his teacher will have been further pleased with his player’s progress.
Baggies continue to lack bounce
West Brom closed their Twitter account to responses this week because of the abuse the club’s fans were aiming at manager Tony Pulis.
The display against City might have placated some, however the statistics read: drawn four, lost four of their last eight league games – although this was their first home defeat of the season in the league.
Albion were once again set up to sit deep and counter, but that was only effective on a handful of occasions, one of which led to their opener.
The result leaves the Baggies in 14th, two points above the relegation zone.
BBC Sports