Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Ali Bernarbia, Marc-Vivien Foe and Shaun Wright-Phillips earned Manchester City a flattering victory against Fulham at Maine Road.

Kevin Keegan's men, awaiting the arrival of striker Robbie Fowler, looked anything but assured during a first half in which Steed Malbranque scored early for the visitors.

Match facts

2 mins: Malbranque gets Fulham off to a flyer 21 mins:Anelka hits back for City 47 mins: Bernarbia finds the target 61: Foe scores a scrappy third for City 70:Wright-Phillips scores with his first touch

But City found their passing range after the break and scored three times as Fulham's defence caved in.

Malbranque got the Londoners off to a flying start within two minutes, playing a one-two off unwitting City defender Richard Dunne before firing past Carlo Nash.

He should have made it two moments later from a similar position, but crashed his shot against the foot of the post with Nash beaten.

City were looking dreadful in every department at that stage, and were very fortunate to score from almost their first attack.

Everyone was trying to play on their own, which is not acceptable at this level Jean Tigana Fulham manager

Kevin Horlock won an easy header and found the predatory Anelka, who slotted home.

The rest of the first half fizzled out, but City made a perfect start to the second, breaking down the left with Djamel Belmadi - who was making his first start.

His ball was flicked on by Anelka and fell to Bernarbia, whose scuffed shot bobbled over the line.

It's been a very good day for Manchester City Kevin Keegan Man City boss

That early strike noticeably deflated Fulham, whose defence failed to clear their lines on 61 minutes to tee up a goal for Foe.

And Wright-Phillips completed the scoring with his first touch after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute.

City fans filed out of Maine Road in understandably good spirits and their mood will be lifted further if goal ace Fowler completes his move - as expected - on Thursday.

Man City: Nash, Sommeil, Howey, Distin, Dunne, Benarbia (Wright-Phillips 70), Foe, Horlock, Jensen, Belmadi, Anelka (Goater 86).
Subs Not Used: Weaver, Jihai, Huckerby.

Booked: Foe, Sommeil, Jensen.

Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, Djetou, Goma, Brevett, Goldbaek, Davis, Legwinski, Malbranque, Marlet, Boa Morte.
Subs Not Used: Herrera, Melville, Inamoto, Sava, Harley.

Booked: Boa Morte. Attendance: 33,260

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).