Oh, not far away. Aleksandar Kolarov stands over a free-kick from 20 yards out. His curling effort nicks the wall and swings just past the post.

West Ham's first tentative move into City territory wins them a corner, which they waste by taking quickly and then failing to get the ball effectively into the box. City have had about 75% of possession over the first 15 minutes. The Hammers can't afford to be so wasteful.

Fraser McIntosh: Many happy returns to Joe Hart today. I hope he shares the cake with Yaya Toure otherwise there could be trouble...

Well, I suppose somebody had to crack the obvious joke.

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Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen
BBC London 94.9 at Etihad Stadium

"West Ham seem to be unsure as to stick or twist. They're defending deep so as not to let Sergio Aguero have space in behind, but that allows Manchester City to just move the ball around in front of them. There's no way out for the visitors so far, City are having all of the play."

Another City attack results in Jesus Navas crossing low for Sergio Aguero, who turns and shoots but straight at Adrian. West Ham are under some serious early pressure.

City have set up camp on the edge of the West Ham box. The away side are doing well so far to stop them getting any further. Yaya Toure is fed the ball but he dwells for a second and is tackled. Soon after, David Silva picks up the ball 25 yards out but fires his shot a few yards wide of the top corner.

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City have started well here. Aleksandar Kolarov is felled by Carl Jenkinson as he looks to break to the byline for a free-kick, which is swung in towards Yaya Toure but headed clear by an away defender. West Ham have barely looked at the City half, never mind be in it.

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Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen
BBC London 94.9 at Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City have suffered only two defeats here all season, but their recent form has cost them. The loss against Crystal Palace really is the one that has cost them in their challenge to retain the Premier League title.

"It's been a bright start from the home side, they're moving the ball very swiftly. Frank Lampard hasn't had the best of receptions so far from the visiting fans so far though."

City come again, but Pablo Zabaleta's cross from the right is blocked by Enner Valencia. The full-back comes again and this time wins a corner, which is taken short to David Silva, who plays off the ball and takes the return in the box but cannot get his shot away before the tackle from Carlton Cole comes in to dispossess him.

City get a feel for the ball early on, stroking it around in midfield before the ball is hammered forward for Jesus Navas, who controls down on the right wing and fires over a cross that West Ham are able to clear.

We are under way...

It's Joe Hart's birthday today, by the way. The obvious joke would be something about buying him a cake. But let's not go there. We're better than that.

Image source, Getty Images

The teams are on their way out at the Etihad. Kick off is imminent...

Is the battle to avoid the drop more interesting than the fight for the title? Do you think Leicester will escape the drop?

Adrian Thomas: The Foxes are flying and will definitely stay up. Best run in with four games at home out of six, plus are the form team at bottom.

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The most famous day in City's recent past lives long in the memory. How they could do with some Aguerooooooooo magic today.

The crowd at the Etihad are currently being entertained by a young choir, all adorned in blue and white scarves, singing Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger. I'm sure Noel and Liam would approve.

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"You are wrong if you think that, at this club, you are out if you don't win the title." This what Manuel Pellegrini had to say this week. On its own that seems like the statement of a man who feels he is still safe in his job. However, he then added: "If we miss the top four then maybe it will be different because that would not be the same thing. Not to play in the Champions League is a disaster." Maybe not so safe after all.

As it stands, there are four points between fourth-placed City and that disaster. Liverpool's involvement in the FA Cup means they will have a game in hand on Pellegrini's men at the end of today. If the gap is still four points come this evening then the man steering the City ship better start turning that wheel because there is an iceberg, dead ahead.

MOTD2 Extra

Daily Telegraph journalist Jason Burt: "Burnley v Leicester next Saturday is a huge match. The atmosphere at Leicester in their win over Swansea yesterday was fantastic, they really went for it from the start. Nigel Pearson makes a good point saying the job is not done yet though, they've only brought themselves back into contention. Yesterday was a big win for West Brom as well. They are now clear I'd say, even though they have a horrendous run-in."

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson: "After their recent results Leicester fans now will be expecting them to win games and that expectation is totally different. it will be a test for the Leicester players."

MOTD2 Extra

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Hull defender Curtis Davies: "Leicester's recent results make it even more difficult for us. We drew 0-0 there when they were eight points behind us. Now it's ultimately down to us to go and do our jobs. We are the only ones who can ensure we stay in this league. We are going to have to find a way to get the points on the board and we're hoping we have got enough in our lockers. Matches against teams like Arsenal and Liverpool they are 'bonus ball' games, but now we need to get the points we will feel that in every single game. It's going to be key to us to beat Burnley especially though, because that is a six-pointer."