Edin Dzeko scored four times as Manchester City demolished Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane to underline their credentials as serious challengers for the English Premier League football title.
Roberto Mancini's side produced a free-flowing performance that was a stark contrast to their more dour approach last season and champions Manchester United will have taken note as their rivals moved to the top of the table after opening the season with 12 goals in three successive victories.
Dzeko struck twice in seven minutes before halftime as he converted a cross from debutant Samir Nasri and then looped a header over Brad Friedel after another Nasri delivery unhinged the Spurs defence.
Nasri's two assists was double the total he managed in a whole season last term for Arsenal.
The Bosnian striker completed his treble in the 55th minute when he slammed Yaya Toure's cross past Friedel.
Sergio Aguero added the fourth - his third City goal following his club record 38 million move from Atletico Madrid - just five minutes later as the Argentina forward twisted past Michael Dawson before firing home.
Younes Kaboul headed home for Spurs in the 68th minute, but the hosts - who started with unsettled Chelsea target Luka Modric - conceded a fifth when Dzeko curled into the top corner in stoppage time and Harry Redknapp's side sit bottom of the table after losing their opening two league games.
Elsewhere, Newcastle striker Leon Best bagged a clinical double to fire his side to a 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James' Park.
