Champions Manchester City left it late again on Saturday as they beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at The Hawthorns.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the first half when James Milner received his marching orders and it got worse for them midway through the second as Shane Long struck to give the Baggies the lead.

However, two goals from substitute Edin Dzeko saw Roberto Mancini's men leave with the spoils and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the 90 minutes between the two sides.

Match statistics:

West Brom:
Shots 16
On target 8
Possession 39%
Corners 6
Fouls 11

Man City:
Shots 21
On target 13
Possession 61%
Corners 9
Fouls 15

Was the result fair?

West Brom will feel very hard done by not to have earned a point after they put in a performance full of heart against the champions. However, it's not over until it's over against City and once again they showed that they will not be giving their title up easily.

West Brom's performance

The home side showed plenty of commitment in all areas of the pitch to give their opponents a tough time and could have had more goals but for some indecisive finishing.

Man City's performance

The visitors looked vulnerable at the back on a number of occasions but also showed lots of menace up top. They certainly missed the guile of David Silva but the introduction of Dzeko changed everything.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Shane Long: The Baggies striker put in a typically tireless performance and gave the City defence plenty of problems all afternoon. The Irishman was rewarded for his display with a wonderfully opportunistic goal before being surprisingly taken off by Steve Clarke.

Referee performance

Mark Clattenburg was brandishing more cards than a magician in the first half as both sets of players lacked discipline. The second half was altogether smoother but there were some decisions that baffled both sets of supporters.

What next?

West Brom: The Baggies have the chance to get back to winning ways next Sunday when they travel to a vulnerable-looking Newcastle United, who will have come off the back of a Europa League encounter with Brugge.

Man City: It's a return to Champions League duties for the Blues as they travel to Amsterdam looking for a much-needed win over Ajax.