LONDON, Sept 29: Manchester City maintained their perfect home start in the Premier League when they beat Newcastle United 3-1 to join Arsenal on points at the top of the table, at least for a few hours on Saturday.

Newcastle took the lead with a fine lob from Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins after 29 minutes but City came storming back to win with goals from Bulgarian Martin Petrov after 38 minutes, Belgian Emile Mpenza after 47 minutes and Brazilian Elano with an outstanding free-kick two minutes from time.

City have now made their best start in the top division for 30 years. It was also the first time since last December that City had scored three goals in the league at home and took them on to 16 points from their opening eight games.

“I am delighted, it was a very good game against a very good opponent, and I think we can play even better. We should have scored more goals perhaps, but thats football, although I am very happy.”

Arsenal, who play West Ham United later on Saturday are top with 16 from six matches and a better goal difference than City.

Manchester United, who are on 14 points and play at Birmingham in an evening kickoff could also go top later in the day depending on the result of their match at St Andrews and Arsenal’s match at Upton Park.—Reuters