reuters
Manchester, March 21: Another case of mistaken identity erupted when lucky Manchester City kept alive their faint title hopes thanks to a much-needed 3-0 victory over 10-man West Bromwich in the Premier League here Saturday.
Much-maligned after their Champions League exit against barcelona, City needed three points against West Brom to keep leaders Chelsea in their sights and the teams chasing a top-four finish off their tail. City were handed a boost after 90 seconds at the Etihad Stadium when West Brom defender Gareth McAuley was sent off when referee Neil Swarbrick failed to spot that Craig Dawson had been the culprit in hauling down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal.
Bony then put City ahead after 27 minutes before Fernando added a second just before the break and David Silva scored after half time to hand City boss Manuel Pellegrini victory in his 100th game in charge.
City now have 61 points from 30 matches, three behind leaders Chelsea, who will visit Hull City to play their weekend game.
In another match played on the day Olivier Giroud scored twice in the first half and Arsenal hung on for a 2-1 win at Newcastle to stay in control of third place. Moussa Sissoko pulled one back for the hosts, but the Gunners managed to keep the ball out of their net and prevent further damage through some judicious defending.
