Tevez stars for City

Carlos Tevez kept Manchester City on course for a Champions League spot with a first half hat-trick in a 3-0 win against West Brom at Eastlands.

On his 27th birthday, the Argentinian striker proved an unstoppable force, especially in the first 45 minutes.

Two of his goals came from the penalty spot and one after he was set up by David Silva.

City almost took the lead in the fourth minute when West Brom defender Paul Scharner failed to cut out a cross from Aleksandar Kolarov. Tevez was perfectly positioned and got in a first-time shot that beat goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, but he saw it come back off the post.

The hosts made the breakthrough in the 17th minute with Steven Reid punished for barging Kolarov. Tevez sent Myhill the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The Argentina striker extended their lead in the 22nd minute after skipping into the area following a one-two with David Silva before finding the corner with his effort.

Myhill reacted superbly in the 32nd minute to get the slightest touch to a Kolarov thunderbolt and touch it onto the crossbar.

Tevez completed his hat-trick in the 36th minute with his second penalty of the game. Jerome Thomas, for reasons only known to himself, handled in the area and referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Tevez stepped up and this time sent his effort high over Myhill to make it 3-0.

West Brom almost pulled a goal back two minutes into the second half when Peter Odemwingie raced forward, only to see his effort turned away at the post by Joe Hart.

Substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips was denied by Myhill on the stroke of full-time as City secured their first win in four games.