Manchester City returned to form with a deserved victory over Sunderland thanks to goals from Aleksandar Kolarov, Sergio Aguero and James Milner.<br />The Premier League champions had won just one of their previous six matches in all competitions but were fine value for this victory.<br />Kolarov's free-kick gave City an early lead and substitute Aguero made it two with a neat finish after half-time.<br />Milner's set-piece was deflected in by Craig Gardner to seal the points.<br /><br />Roberto Mancini's men had numerous chances to improve the scoreline but they will be delighted with the result.<br />It was City's first clean sheet of the season and moves them up to second in the table, four points behind leaders Chelsea.<br />Mancini admitted the quick turnaround from Wednesday's Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund was "a problem".<br />But despite making seven changes to the line-up, his side had little trouble inflicting a first loss of the season on Sunderland.<br />One of those changes saw Carlos Tevez come into the side and it was a menacing run from him that led to the opener.<br />The Argentine surged down the left only for Carlos Cuellar to arrive with a reckless challenge.<br /><br />Left-back Kolarov stepped up to curl an unstoppable free-kick past Simon Mignolet at his near post - the in-form Serb's fourth goal in five games for club and country.<br />It was the first time Sunderland had gone a goal behind this season and they briefly pressed forward in an attempt to hit back.<br />Stephane Sessegnon volleyed over but the visitors lacked creativity and Steven Fletcher found himself isolated up front.<br />City were dominating possession and Mignolet denied Pablo Zabaleta before Tevez screwed wide from the follow-up.<br />The one team to come away from Etihad Stadium last season unbeaten were Sunderland - they drew 3-3 having led 3-1 after 85 minutes - and it was inevitable they would improve after half-time.<br />Sebastian Larsson began to find more space and his floated cross was volleyed towards goal by Fletcher, only for t
