Richards injury mars impressive City victory over West Ham

Manchester City's captain Micah Richards is carried off the field after being injured in a clash with teammate Tal Ben Haim

Richards, watched by national team manager Fabio Capello, was left in some distress a minute into the second half after being poleaxed following a
collision with team-mate Tal Ben Haim.

He was treated on the pitch for eight minutes before being carried unconscious to the dressing room by a bank of medics.

However he later came round in the dressing room and was taken to Manchester
Royal Infirmary for further checks.

City regrouped and went on to make their advantage pay after West Ham midfielder Mark Noble was sent off in the 39th minute for two yellow cards.

It was certainly an eventful afternoon for owner Thaksin Shinawatra and members
of his family who were in attendance.

It is an important result as well with a UEFA Cup match to come on Thursday against FC Midtjylland in Denmark, where City are looking to overcome a 1-0 deficit.

Manchester City's manager Mark Hughes celebrates after his team score their second goal

City dominated the match from the off and came close to making the breakthrough in the 13th minute when Stephen Ireland's shot was cleared off the line by Valon Behrami.

Then the Swiss international almost scored an own goal, deflecting Ben Haim's effort on to the bar.

This was a promising start by City and they looked to be playing with renewed confidence after that defeat by Aston Villa on the opening day.

Martin Petrov came inches away from making the breakthrough in the 22nd minute,
his superb 25-yard free-kick hitting the outside of the post.

Then Sturridge sliced a shot wide in a good spell of pressure by the home side.

West Ham striker Carlton Cole, clearly struggling with a knock, was replaced by Freddie Sears in the 31st minute.

Cole's injury was not what manager Alan Curbishley wanted as his side were finding it hard to get going at this stage.

City had the momentum and Ireland picked out Elano in the 37th minute but his first touch let him down.

Elano of Manchester City celabrates after scoring against West Ham

A minute later the Hammers suffered another blow when they were reduced to 10 men.

Noble was sent off by referee Howard Webb after getting a second yellow card for a stiff challenge on Michael Johnson.

City poured forward and Petrov skipped away down the right in the 43rd minute and delivered a good cross to the back post.

However, Matthew Upson stood firm and made a crucial clearance under pressure with Ireland waiting to pounce on any mistake.

Goalkeeper Robert Green then made a superb save from Johnson in stoppage time.

City regrouped after Richards was carried off and Elano sent a shot into Green's body from the edge of the area after 59 minutes.

They made the breakthrough seven minutes later after a mistake by Hammers defender Upson.

He lost his concentration following a cross from Petrov and his clearance landed at the feet of Sturridge.

The striker took full advantage, hammering a shot beyond Green to put his side in the driving seat.

City went 2-0 ahead in the 70th minute with a cool finish from Elano after he had been set up by Ireland and it was no more than they deserved.

They kept the momentum going and made it 3-0 in the 76th minute thanks to Elano's second goal of the game.

The Brazil playmaker scored with a superb half-volley after again being set up
by Ireland to seal a comfortable victory against a West Ham side that looked
thoroughly dispirited.