And Pulis, who started with Saido Berahino and debutant Rickie Lambert up front, concedes he got his tactics wrong with City pressurising for the majority of the first half.
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On an opening weekend where the dangers lurking throughout the league to so-called title favourites were amply demonstrated, City negotiated Tony Pulis’ well drilled Baggies with consummate skill.
The spotlight was on new £49million man Raheem Sterling, but it was David Silva and Yaya Toure who stole the show to help ease City to three points.
Kompany himself scored one of the goals that put West Brom to the sword and is looking for a much better individual season than he had in 2014/15 – a campaign which led many to suggest the City skipper was “past it”. Will the Citizens meet expectations, or will they underwhelm against a stout West Brom side? Toure and David Silva combined for City’s first goal on nine minutes before the Ivorian curled home a fine second goal 15 minutes later as the visitors won 3-0.
Captain Vincent Kompany added a third and the Belgian said he was keen to banish memories of a poor season on a personal and team level and send a message to those who were discounting City as credible title challengers.
Craig Dawson: Could have done little about the deflection that led to the first goal, but was beaten far too easily in behind on a number of occasions.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini told Sky Sports 1: “I’m always pleased when my team score with attacking football”. I think we did really well.
Sterling, City’s big signing of the summer from Liverpool, should have also marked his debut with a goal, but he was denied by Boaz Myhill when clean through.
“I welcome the addition of good players because there will be a need to rotate with the large number of games we will play this season”.
“Every point is important but the gap after the second game is not decisive…”
Toure then scored another before Kompany completed City’s win prior to their game against rivals Chelsea next Sunday. I’ve said it time and time again, he’s like a sprinter going forward, and a marathon runner coming back.
“It might not be his best performance but I think he played in a good way”.
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Pulis also said he would strengthen his squad before the close of the transfer window, but remained tightlipped about his targets.
