Manchester City threw away a two goal lead before rallying to defeat bottom club West Brom 4-2 at Eastlands. Robinho scored his first City goal of 2009 to put the hosts ahead.

Albion had cause for complaint when Nedum Onuoha doubled the advantage after it appeared keeper Scott Carson had been fouled.

The visitors pulled a goal back through Chris Brunt by half time and the same player then equalised just after the break.

But Elano quickly restored City's lead converting a penalty after he had been fouled.

With the Baggies throwing men forward in search of a leveller Daniel Sturridge sealed the three points in the final minute.

The result leaves West Brom nine points from safety and an immediate return to the Championship is almost certain.

"I think it's important that Robinho got back on the goalscoring track," City boss Mark Hughes explained.

"People have been using the fact that he hadn't scored this year as a rod to hit him over the head. But he got his reward for a committed performance.

"Overall, I am delighted we are back in the top half of the table and looking upwards.

"We were a bit nervous, but we stuck at it and dug in and got the result we wanted."