West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "There were two things in the first half: there was fatigue from Tuesday night and we weren't functioning well in that system. So we went back to a diamond and we started to expose Hull City's defence.

"The first goal going in quickly after half-time really settled us. The quality of the next two finishes is what we've been looking for.

"We've only lost two games over the Christmas period - one was Arsenal and the other one was Chelsea. I'm hoping we can kick on like Southampton have done because they've put themselves back up there with an outstanding run of wins."

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham striker Andy Carroll:, external "Nothing better than a tap in. Tap tap tappy-roo!! Good win 3-0."

Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live

"Alexis Sanchez is so unpredictable, he picks the ball up from deep and from out wide and gets running at you. As a defender, if you are running backwards with someone like Sanchez running at you, it's so hard to deal with that."

Image source, Empics

BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta on 5 live: "I would love to see a City player nominated for the Ballon d'Or one day. We have a very strong squad with top players. At the moment Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best two in the world but we also have very good players. Sergio Aguero, if he keeps fit during the whole season, he will have a chance to be there one day.

"Alexis Sanchez has had a very big impact. He has settled very well and been Arsenal's main player. He is fast, technical ability is fantastic. He can score, assist, he is the complete player. He learned a lot playing at Barcelona."

If I were to say to you 'who is in the running for Player of the Year so far?' you would surely mention Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

He and City forward Sergio Aguero have been highlighted in the build-up to today's game - who is the better player?

Throughout the season, BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season by predicting the results of the weekend's games.

Lawro's opponent for the latest round of Premier League fixtures is comedian and QPR fan Seann Walsh.

Jane Thompson: I will take 3-0 City right now. It sounds sad but after last year's debacle, three isn't that bad!

Matthew Penistone: Aaron Ramsey in the line up worries me. Our failing in big games is staying solid. Expect silly runs forward, leaving us exposed.

Harry Belshaw: Can't see David Silva having an effect on the game with Francis Coquelin in the middle… Per Mertesacker has the pace to deal with Sergio Aguero too…

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, external, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page, external or BBC Sport's Google+ area., external You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

The questions is simple:

What will the outcome be of Man City v Arsenal?

Have your say now by voting at the top of the page. The vote will close at 16:00 GMT. Terms and conditions can be found here.

BBC world's Alex South in Ebebiyin: "Pre match meal of choice here is the pickled egg sandwich. Mmmmmmm."

Not sure that will be on offer near Etihad Stadium...

We won't see Wilfried Bony in a Manchester City shirt for around a month as he is away of Afcon duties. His Ivory Coast side are not in action today, but after yesterday's opening matches, the Cup of Nations continues today with two more games.

Zambia face Congo DR at 16:00 GMT before Tunisia meet Cape Verde Islands at 19:00 GMT.

You can follow BBC Sport's live text commentary now.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas
Football Focus

Image source, Getty Images

"Wilfried Bony is a potentially title-winning signing for Manchester City. They have been searching for a player that can take the lead when Sergio Aguero is out injured or needs a rest. In Bony, they have a striker who has been delivering in the Premier League for Swansea for enough time to prove he can do it and do it consistently."

West Ham goalscorer Andy Carroll says the belief in the dressing room is that the club can qualify for Europe next season. A realistic aim for Big Sam?

Former Hull striker Peter Swan
BBC Radio Humberside

"It's been said so many times before but it really was a game of two halves. I didn't think Hull could play as well as they did in the first half but if you don't take your chances you get punished. Things seem to be going against them at the moment, they have to stick together and battle on. Hull can't afford not to sign a striker now. That is what they are missing."

Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"I think Wilfried Bony will make the difference in the title race for Manchester City. When they've had injuries up front City have been forced to use James Milner as a striker. With all due respect, you are not going to win the Premier League title with Milner leading the line but Bony will certainly make it closer."

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair
MOTD2 Extra

"Arsenal need to invest more in their midfield. If you look at Mathieu Flamini, before he went to Milan he was very useful, but now the game has evolved. Look at Manchester City's holding midfielders - they are machines, real athletes, and are there to shield the defence.

"I don't think Arsenal have that. Unless they bring in some players who can do that… well they let Alex Song go, who would have been perfect. They have got nothing to lose today. Everybody will expect City to win."

Image source, Getty Images

Coming up next, the champions versus Alexis Sanchez. If Vincent Kompany fancied a nice easy game back from injury he will be disappointed.

So Hull stay in the relegation zone, but they are only three points behind Everton in 13th. Nothing a win or two wouldn't ease. Who will score the goals though?

A powerful second-half display sees West Ham crush Hull, who look to be in real trouble. They need a striker. Fast.

West Ham are playing this one out in style now. The Hammers will move up to within a point of Spurs with this win. That man Morgan Amalfitano almost adds a fourth with a deft chip from a tight angle but Allan McGregor tips it clear.

Image source, Reuters