City put talk of dressing room disharmony aside to produce the perfect team display as Roberto Mancini's multi-million pound squad moved level on points with leaders Arsenal after the rock-bottom Hammers were beaten at Upton Park. City - without suspended former Irons striker Carlos Tevez - dominated from kick-off, and it was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour. The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure. However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then surged forward again and his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped victory up with nine minutes left. James Tomkins headed in a late consolation for the Hammers, who face a real battle for survival in 2011. City assistant manager Kidd believes Mancini, who jetted straight back to Italy to see his father after Saturday's match, deserves full credit for City's transformation into genuine title challengers. "I think the work the manager has put in is absolutely fantastic," declared Kidd. "His work ethic is fantastic, his passion and desire is first class. "It doesn't come overnight, but the work we have put in this season and last is starting to show. I think the club are very lucky to have him as manager. He is a winner. "There is no way the boss will let the pressure get to him, he's too meticulous." With rivals Arsenal and Manchester United going head to head at Old Trafford on Monday night and Chelsea, who are away to Tottenham tomorrow, also facing both in the hectic festive schedule, City could capitalise if they maintain form. Kidd, though, insists no-one at Eastlands is getting carried away. "You don't win anything in December, but if we are in the shake-up in March or April, we can start thinking about it," the City assistant reflected. "People have said about the fixtures coming up, but you have to make sure you win your games. "It is not being flippant, because it a long haul in the Premier League and in the past, we have seen that some teams have flattered to deceive." For West Ham, it was another case of what might have been, as if referee Phil Dowd had awarded a spot-kick against goalscorer Toure, Avram Grant's relegation battlers may well have taken something from the game. The Irons are still within striking distance of safety, but cannot afford many more defeats or they will be cut adrift. "It was a penalty but the referee didn't see it. It could change the game but we don't want to complain," Grant said. "Manchester City were a better team then us, especially when we lost seven players that usually play. "The boys are trying, that is what is important to us. "While we are not in the middle of the season there is time to turn it, but we do not like where we are. "I don't know how many points we will need, but we can win two out of the next three games." Grant took Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, and also pushed United for the Premier League crown. The Israeli feels City could go on to lift the title in May. "They could be champions, for sure," he said. "There is a big balance between the quality players, they weren't in the game then they can score a goal. "They are also very physical. I am sure they can go on to win."
