Manchester City management was delighted with the manner of victory over West Ham United.
City put talk of dressing room disharmony aside to produce the perfect team display as Roberto Mancini's multi-million pound squad moved level on points with leaders Arsenal after bottom club West Ham were beaten 3-1 at Upton Park.
It was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour.
The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then surged forward again and his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped victory up with nine minutes left.
James Tomkins headed in a late consolation for the Hammers, who face a real battle for survival in 2011.
City assistant manager Brian Kidd believes Mancini, who jetted straight back to Italy to see his father after today's match, deserves full credit for City's transformation into genuine title challengers.
"I think the work the manager has put in is absolutely fantastic," declared Kidd.
"His work ethic is fantastic, his passion and desire is first class.
"It doesn't come overnight, but the work we have put in this season and last is starting to show. I think the club are very lucky to have him as manager. He is a winner.
"There is no way the boss will let the pressure get to him, he's too meticulous."
With rivals Arsenal and Manchester United going head to head at Old Trafford on Monday night and Chelsea, who are away to Tottenham tomorrow, also facing both in the hectic festive schedule, City could capitalise if they maintain form.
Kidd, though, insists no-one at Eastlands is getting carried away.
"You don't win anything in December, but if we are in the shake-up in March or April, we can start thinking about it," the City assistant reflected.
"People have said about the fixtures coming up, but you have to make sure you win your games.
"It is not being flippant, because it a long haul in the Premier League and in the past, we have seen that some teams have flattered to deceive."
