Manchester City might have surrendered their advantage in the title race by dropping five points in their previous two games, but here was proof that they have certainly not given up the chase.
Victory over struggling West Brom in an entertaining game leaves Manuel Pellegrini’s side six points off leaders Liverpool with one game in hand.
They are still relying largely on a win for second-placed Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, but at least the table does not make quite such grim viewing.
Back on track: Manchester City defeated West Brom at the Etihad to get back to winning ways
The Spanish playmaker had missed the last two games with an ankle injury, and appeared to fall awkwardly when he tangled with Morgan Amalfitano.
Losing Silva would be a huge blow to City’s hopes of overhauling Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table, and possibly his own World Cup hopes as well.
They had to win and duly did, although whether Pellegrini planned for such an open contest is another matter.
West Brom played their part but defeat leaves Pepe Mel’s side still three points above the drop zone, having used up a game in hand on some of their rivals.
One of them is Sunderland and City’s 2-2 draw with the Premier League’s bottom club at the Etihad last week — when only Samir Nasri’s late strike salvaged a point — served as a painful reminder of what can happen at this stage of the season. On Monday night, they began like a team intent on making sure it did not happen again.
Heading for glory: Pablo Zabaleta gave City the lead inside three minutes at the Etihad
Perfect start: Zabaleta headed into an empty net after Ben Foster spilled the ball
Delight: The Argentine full back celebrates after giving City the perfect start
On target: Sergio Aguero was back on the score sheet for Manchester City after his injury absence
Out of reach: Aguero curled his shot from outside the penalty area past Foster into the far corner
Fist pump: Aguero celebrates his goal with Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho
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