West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo admitted his team had caught Manchester City at exactly the wrong time as Roberto Mancini's side produced one of their best displays of the season to beat the Baggies 2-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

City had lost their last three games in all competitions and the pressure was increasing on boss Mancini, who was able to welcome Carlos Tevez and Nigel De Jong back in to his side following injury.

Mario Balotelli scored both City's goals before being sent off, while Albion had Youssouf Mulumbu dismissed in the closing stages.

Di Matteo said after the game:"There is never a good time to play a team like City because they have so many good players. It's a shame we found them in good form.

"I think it's fair to say City were very good and we need to give them credit. They never let us settle into the game - especially in the first half.

"We tried to press them but they were good and moved the ball around in a one-touch style. They had good possession and quality players on the pitch. They were coming off the line, rotating and they just had quality on the ball.

"Balotelli showed sheer power and strength to hold off our defender on their second goal and it was difficult for our boys.

"In the second half, we managed to get closer to them and we put them under a little bit of pressure.

"We were a bit unfortunate in hitting the post and crossbar.Maybe, if we'd got one goal back, it would have lifted the crowd and ourselves a little bit more and given us a better chance.

"In terms of Youssouf's second yellow card, there was no doubt about it. But he wasn't aware he had received a yellow card for the first one. That's why he was surprised."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email