Manchester City maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League table by handing Newcastle their first league defeat of the season.

A penalty either side of half-time and a strike by marauding full-back Micah Richards saw City pierce the league's meanest defence three times and maintain their own unbeaten run.

Italian striker Mario Balotelli scored from the spot on 41 minutes after Ryan Taylor had handled, and Richards seized on the Magpies full-back's error to double the lead before half-time.

Richards was also instrumental in the final City goal, Sergio Aguero scoring from the spot on 72 minutes, after Richards had been brought down by Hatem Ben Arfa.