Brilliant Elano double keeps City on the march

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester City's remarkable resurgence under Sven Goran Eriksson shows no signs of slowing down as his side easily beat Middlesbrough 3-1 on Sunday.

City have been transformed since the Swedish coach took charge in July and their sixth Premier League win of the campaign consolidated third place in the table.

It was all over at Eastlands before half-time as Chris Riggott's early own goal was followed by a superb strike from in-form Brazil midfielder Elano, who added another stunning effort after the break.

Ben Hutchinson reduced the deficit in the 89th minute but it was no consolation for the woeful visitors.

While it is far too early to proclaim City as genuine title challengers, they are definitely in the running for a place in the Champions League.

In contrast, Middlesbrough's third consecutive league defeat leaves Gareth Southgate's side sliding towards a relegation battle.

Eriksson deserves great credit for revitalising City from the moribund outfit who struggled under Stuart Pearce last season and their confidence is sky high at present.

Martin Petrov set the tempo as he tested Mark Schwarzer with a fierce 25-yard shot early on.

The hosts didn't have to wait long to go in front. In the 10th minute Riggott was unable to adjust as Richard Dunne tried and failed to connect with Petrov's corner, the ball cannoning in off the unfortunate Middlesbrough defender.

City were threatening to run away with it as Petrov and Stephen Ireland combined to set up Emile Mpenza, but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Middlesbrough finally mustered a response when Lee Cattermole headed Fabio Rochemback's cross goalwards and City's young keeper Joe Hart did well to push it away.

Elano had shown his ability to score from distance with a tremendous free-kick against Newcastle but Middlesbrough still let him size up a shot from 25 yards in the 33rd minute. Inevitably they paid the price.

Michael Johnson's pass gave Elano the opportunity and he wasted no time driving a blistering effort past Schwarzer.

With Egypt striker Mido injured, Middlesbrough were bereft of attacking options, forcing Southgate to give 20-year-old Tom Craddock his first start.

Craddock's effort couldn't be faulted but he lacked composure when two good chances fell his way in the second half. First his touch allowed Hart to smother, then he rushed his volley and sent it well wide.

When Jon Woodgate chopped down Mpenza on the edge of the area, Elano eagerly snatched the ball for the set-piece. Middlesbrough must have feared the worst and Elano didn't disappoint as he ripped a fierce shot past Schwarzer.

That was the end of the contest. Hutchinson's first senior goal, scored with a minute to go, never threatened to stop City extending their 100 percent home record.