The Brazilian midfielder had already established himself as a clear man-of-thematch with an inspired display of cultured passing in when he strode up to rocket in the 86thminute free-kick which guaranteed Sven-Goran Eriksson's men victory.

Eriksson has refused to set any targets for his team despite their amazing start.

But on this evidence they look top-six contenders, even if their chances of matching Manchester United and Arsenal, whom they joined at the top briefly, are slender.

Certainly, after two years of drab fare under Stuart Pearce, City are not complaining. Although Eriksson's men had recorded single-goal victories in all their previous home games, it seemed unlikely that run would continue against a Newcastle side packed with talent, even without Michael Owen . . . who is however likely to be back much earlier than expected . . .

but without an away clean sheet in 10 months. The return of Shay Given was a big call by Sam Allardyce given how well Stephen Harper has been doing but the Irish star justified the decision with a string of excellent saves.

He was however picking the ball out of the net soon enough after Elano, who else, sent Stephen Ireland on his way with a typically telling pass.

Ireland kept his nerve and rolled a cross to the far post which invited Martin Petrov's clinical finish. Without doubt, Given was the busier keeper but England under-21 international Joe Hart, preferred to Kasper Schmeichel by Eriksson, was hardly unemployed.

The �800,000-signing from Shrewsbury could so easily have been embarrassed when a poor first touch left the ball rolling agonisingly along the line as he was momentarily stranded the other side of his post. Hart kept his cool admirably and was able to clear, which was just as well as by that stage he had already been beaten by Martins.

Micah Richards has barely put a foot wrong during his astonishing rise to stardom but the City defender found himself on the wrong side of Martins as Geremi lifted a hopeful pass to the edge of the box and the half yard of space was all the Nigerian required to control, then finish in sublime fashion.

Both Eriksson and Allardyce would have wanted to make a flying start to the second period but only the Swede got his wish as City seized the initiative within 90 seconds of the re-start.

Charles N'Zogbia's aimless header towards the touchline saw Petrov burst into life, outpacing Steven Taylor down the left before delivering a pinpoint cross. With N'Zogbia out of position, Mpenza was totally unmarked to finish.

Newcastle gradually increased the pace as they hunted an equaliser but the major threat was on their goal.

It took a just-legal challenge by Habib Beye on Richards to deny the youngster a clear run on goal. Then, when City countered again, Richards stepped inside Jose Enrique but scuffed his shot. Mpenza volleyed wide, then had a shot blocked by Rozenahl as a frenetic contest reached a suitably frantic finish, with Elano providing the fitting ending.