Manchester City continued their 100% start to the season with a victory over West Ham to remain among the Premier League’s early pacesetters on top of the log.

City took the lead when Raheem Sterling finished off a superb team move and Fernandinho headed in a second from Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.

 West Ham pulled a goal back in the second half when Michail Antonio nodded in Arthur Masuaku’s cross.

Sterling added his second late on when he stroked home from a tight angle.

The win meant City joined rivals Manchester United and Chelsea as the only clubs with nine points from the first three games of the new season. City, however, lead courtesy of more goals scored (they have six to the others’ five).

Both City and United are set to clash after the international break on September 14 at Old Trafford.

 And in the first game of the day, Middlesbrough maintained their unbeaten Premier League start in a dull goalless draw at West Brom.

Home left-back Brendan Galloway had the best chance of the first half, surging forward but striking tamely at Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Albion’s Craig Dawson headed just wide from a corner after the break, and Boro’s Cristhian Stuani shot straight at Ben Foster from a tight angle.

 Daniel Ayala’s poked effort from close range was kept out by Foster later on.

This was a match lacking in quality and creativity, producing a result with which the visitors will be happier. The draw means that Boro have collected five points from three matches since returning to the top flight, reports the BBC.

 Aitor Karanka’s organised side had more possession without really threatening the West Brom goal, with home goalkeeper Foster worked just twice to make routine saves.

Striker Alvaro Negredo had been involved in all three of his side’s goals this term but he was isolated up front – and his total of 26 touches of the ball was the lowest of any player who started the match.

Central defenders Ayala and Ben Gibson looked assured, with the Spaniard contributing a match-high 13 clearances to maintain the side’s first clean sheet of the campaign.

EPL RESULTS

Man City 3 – 1 West Ham

West Brom 0 – 0 Middlesbrough