Negredo 3', 59', Agüero 24'
Sublime nine sees City stroll towards Wembley
Manchester City's deadly duo confirmed their side's first League Cup final in 38 years on Tuesday night in what proved to be a rampant reunion between the pair. Goals from Sergio Agüero and Álvaro Negredo swiftly swatted away any unlikely threat from the Hammers to propel the blues to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
With bookmakers offering the keys to their businesses to anyone brave enough to bet on a 7-0 victory for Allardyce's side, any chance of a miracle was mocked before the 19.45pm kick-off. However, with the final realistically out of their grasp, Big Sam considered the tie an opportunity to welcome back some familiar faces and to instill a necessary spirit into his side.
Unfortunately, Manchester City's bloodthirsty beast felt no sympathy for the hosts, and nodded the blues in front after just three minutes. Some expected tinkering was made by Manuel Pellegrini to the squad that thumped Cardiff City at the weekend, and the introduction of 18 year-old Marcos Lopes proved to be an inspired move as the youngster whipped in a wicked ball for Negredo's opener.
(Álvaro Negredo nods City in front after just three minutes)
With a frown on his face and a jaw that refused to stop bobbing up and down to the tune of his Wrigley's chewing gum, Sam Allardyce sat back and watched his defeated Hammers surrender to a stylish City side.
With the blues in cruise control, the tie adopted a monotonous tone that matched the silence in the stands. However, eager to continue his gluttonous goalscoring form was Sergio Agüero who made his first start in four weeks. On the 24 minute mark, the Argentine danced through a sea of swinging legs to chip over Jussi Jääskeläinen for City's second. Marcos Lopes's drive into West Ham's 18 yard-box was pounced upon by the 22 goal striker who did the rest.
(Agüero chips in City's second)
That was Agüero's third goal in three games since returning from injury, and with Edin Džeko and Stevan Jovetić still competing for a place in the starting line-up, the Argentine probably won't calm his craftship in front of goal any time soon.
Agüero's goal saw him go neck-to-neck with his beastly strike partner on 22 goals each for the season, but City's £16.4m man sneered at the prospect of relinquishing his role as City's most prolific frontman. Just 14 minutes into the second half, the Spanish steamroller burst into the Hammer's box and chipped home an impossible effort past the Finnish keeper. The chance looked all but gone, but unsurprisingly, the signing of the season managed to find a way of putting the ball in the back of the net.
(Álvaro Negredo claims his second of the night with an exquisite finish)
Although the blues have made Wembley their second home in the last four years, Manuel Pellegrini's minions will be marching to their first League Cup final in 38 years in March. If Manchester United can cause an upset on Wednesday night, a mouthwatering Manchester final will be imprinted on City's calendar, and to be honest, it's the tie every City fan will have wanted.
WEMBLEY, WEMBLEY, WE'RE THE FAMOUS MAN CITY AND WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY!
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6 - Had little to do in terms of shot stopping and took part in an aerial battle with Andy Carroll for the majority of the game. Did enough to convince Pellegrini that he is the man for the final.
Dedryck Boyata 6 - His first start since the red card at Blackburn and it was a much quieter evening for the Belgian. 
Joleon Lescott 7.5 - City's best defender once again in a performance that was much more convincing than Martin Demichelis's on Saturday and made sure Andy Carroll didn't have a look in. Should he stay or should he go? Personally, I think we could do with his experience.
Matija Nastasić 6 - Nearly allowed Carlton Cole to grab the hosts an equaliser but the early mistake was cancelled out with a relatively solid performance.
Gaël Clichy 7 - Provided City with attacking threat from the full back position and gave a defensively sound performance in which he was free to roam up and down the touchline.
Marcos Lopes 8 - Confident, tricky and pacy. The 18 year-old gave a top performance in a fixture that was crying out for some creativity. Assisted Negredo's first with a wicked cross and drove into the Hammers' box for City's second. Great performance from the youngster.
Javi García 7 - Made sure the Hammers had no chance of penetrating the midfield with yet another impenetrable and calm performance. 
Fernandinho 7.5 - City's commanding midfielder and his passing accuracy was second to none. Sprung the majority of City's attacking play and also helped Garcia defend the back four.
Jesús Navas 7 - Missed a couple of great chances but his wing play was exceptional.
Sergio Agüero 8 - Made the Hammers defence look amateur and terrified them with his pace throughout.
Álvaro Negredo 8 - Five goals in two games against West Ham just shows how much the Spaniard loves playing against them. Two serene finishes but ended the game with a worrying shoulder injury.
Substitutes
Jack Rodwell 6 - Slotted into the midfield nicely.
Stevan Jovetić 6 - Cheeky little chip nearly caught out Jääskeläinen
Aleksandar Kolarov 6 - Bombed up and down the line with intent
Match Stats
Possession: West Ham United 47% - 53% Manchester City
Shots on target: West Ham United 12 - 12 Manchester City
