article_snippet: Out of Europe, out of the FA Cup and on the verge of being out of the Premier League title race, this was the first of nine games Man City simply could not afford not to win.
article_snippet: This was time for City to prove themselves and prove to the nation that there is still life left in the title race.
article_snippet: After help from the referee, City then got some from Albion.
article_snippet: City midfielder Fernando doubled Manchester City midfielder Fernando side's lead in the 40th minute with a close-range finish .
article_snippet: City playmaker David Silva added a third in the 77th minute to complete the rout at the Etihad Stadium .
article_snippet: At times this was City back to their fluent best.
highlights_snippet: Man City bounced back from their Champions League defeat by Barcelona .
  
highlights_snippet: Champions League eased to victory against the Baggies .
  