Man City 3-1 Norwich

Tiatto had to be restrained by Keegan

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Eyal Berkovic struck twice at Maine Road as Manchester City extended their lead at the top of Division One to three points.

Kevin Keegan's side bounced back from the dismissal of Danny Tiatto for violent conduct after just 11 minutes to stun their promotion rivals with a powerful second-half display.

Norwich had looked on course for a point when David Nielsen headed home just after half-time to cancel out a Berkovic strike.

It's no good having quality players if their temperament goes like that

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan

But Paulo Wanchope restored City's lead from the penalty spot before Berkovic put the gloss on the win with a brilliant solo effort.

City were boosted by the return of Stuart Pearce, who was making his first start for six weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Tiatto clashes with Nedergaard

But they got off to the worst possible start when Tiatto was dismissed by referee Roy Pearson amid stormy scenes.

The Australian international lashed out at Steen Nedergaard after the pair had jostled for the ball near the touchline.

Tiatto appeared to throw a punch and was dismissed when fourth official Michael Ryan alerted Pearson.

Penalty appeal

The furious midfielder kicked over a rack of drinks bottles as he left the pitch and had to be forced down the tunnel by Keegan.

City had been on top until his dismissal, with Shaun Wright-Phillips having a penalty appeal turned down and Steve Howey heading just wide.

But Norwich threatened when Nedergaard, who was booed by the City fans for his part in the sending-off, swung in a cross for Paul McVeigh and Carlo Nash saved his header.

Berkovic came close when Ali Benarbia found him with a free-kick but his shot deflected to safety off a defender.

The Israeli midfielder fired another shot just wide before finally making the breakthrough two minutes before half-time.

Wanchope set off on a run, fed Shaun Goater on the right and he squared for Berkovic to shoot into the bottom corner.

Norwich hit straight back after the break.

Manchester City have world class players

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington

The home defence left Nielsen unmarked as Alex Notman sent in a cross and the striker headed home his sixth goal in as many games.

Wanchope put City back in front from the penalty spot on 62 minutes, shooting to Robert Green's left after the Canaries keeper had brought down Goater.

But Berkovic stole the show four minutes later when he picked up a throw from keeper Carlo Nash on the halfway line and beat three opponents before slotting the ball through Green's legs.

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Man City: Nash, Dunne, Howey, Pearce, Wright-Phillips, Benarbia, Horlock, Berkovic, Tiatto, Goater, Wanchope. Subs: Weaver, Ritchie, Negouai, Killen, Huckerby.

Norwich: Green, Drury, Mackay, Fleming, Nedergaard, Holt, Russell, Kenton, McVeigh, Nielsen, Notman. Subs: Crichton, Sutch, Libbra, Easton, Rivers.

Attendance: 31,794.

Referee: R Pearson (Peterlee).