Manchester City produced their best football of the season to defeat Sunderland 3-0 today at the Etihad.

The champs won thanks to goals from Aleksander Kolarov, Sergio Aguero and James Milner.

Kolarov struck a super free-kick on just five minutes - after which City never looked back. The match was sealed after Kolarov's cross was expertly turned home by Sergio Aguero on the hour. Milner thumped home a third a minute from time with a wonder free-kick.

City boss Roberto Mancini restored his English trio of Micah Richards, Gareth Barry and Milner to his line-up and was rewarded with a more assured display from the home team.

He will be delighted with the return to form of David Silva, who was back to his creative best at the heart of City's midfield.

One sour note for home fans was Mario Balotelli's decision to go straight down the players' race after being substituted for Aguero, who struck barely four minutes later.

TRIBAL ASKS: Did Adam Johnson get ahead of himself in the pre-match build up for his return to the Etihad?