A bizarre own goal from West Ham’s James Collins helped Manchester City back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Top scorer Sergio Aguero was also on target as the fallen champions, after a horrendous run of six defeats in eight games, claimed a welcome and routine 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City fans briefly sung Manuel Pellegrini’s name in the opening exchanges. It may be deceptive. Some sections of the club’s support would rather he left but this was not a day to revolt.

West Ham were obliging opponents and City cruised to a forgettable win.

After six defeats in nine games, sticking plasters were applied to sizeable wounds. It may not alter anything in the long term but City now have a seven-point lead over Liverpool, reducing the chances Pellegrini will be dismissed before the end of the season.

The prospect of dropping out of the top four receded. With Aston Villa the next visitors to the Etihad, there is scope to mount a mini-recovery.

Like many a side on a losing run, City have argued fortune has not favoured them.

It did when they took the lead after a quarter of an hour of concentrated pressure, though. It was a comical own goal from James Collins, who contrived to chip his goalkeeper Adrian with a distinctly misplaced volley from Jesus Navas’ cross.

http://johnakwehblog.tk/2015/04/man-city-hammer-west-ham-2-0/