Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini

BBC

Manchester City returned to form with a deserved victory over Sunderland thanks to goals from Aleksander Kolarov, Sergio Aguero and James Milner.

The Premier League champions had won just one of their previous six matches in all competitions but were fine value for this win, reports the BBC.

Kolarov's free-kick gave City an early lead and substitute Aguero made it two with a neat finish after half-time.

Milner's set-piece was deflected in by Craig Gardner to seal the points.

Roberto Mancini's men had numerous chances to improve the scoreline but they will be delighted with the result.

It was City's first clean sheet of the season and moves them up to second in the table, a point behind leaders Chelsea.