Struggling on the road & failing to score for the first time - Manchester City will have to spend again in January to seal the title

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By Jake Watson at the Hawthorns

Manchester City may remain top of the Premier League after an outstanding start to the campaign in which they have lost just one game, yet Boxing Day's goalless draw with West Brom has raised questions about Roberto Mancini's side on their travels.

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Their one defeat so far this season came in the recent trip to Chelsea, whilst their inability to score at the Hawthorns was the first time they have failed to find the back of the net this season, as Roy Hodgson's men pegged back the big spenders' title charge.

At the Etihad Stadium Roberto Mancini’s men have won every single game in the Premier League and whilst an away record of five wins, three draws and one defeat is by no means a poor return, the Italian will be keen to ensure his side do not see their title ambitions scuppered on the road after their third consecutive away game without a win.

Against a stoic, well-drilled West Brom defence, City probed and passed the ball around - led by Samir Nasri and David Silva - but ultimately lacked the incisiveness required to get off the mark. Sergio Aguero cut a forlorn figure and seemed almost bullied by the Baggies defensive duo of Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley. 

Aguero's second-half replacement, Edin Dzeko, started the season in simply outstanding fashion bagging goals with consummate ease, and despite struggling to force his way past Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli in recent weeks, he still boasts a record of 10 goals in his 14 Premier League appearances. Most significantly eight of his goals have come away from home, suggesting the Bosnian could be the solution when his side's backs are against the wall.

Yet the £27 million former Wolfsburg man has fallen down the pecking order at Eastlands and neither he, nor the other attacking substitute Adam Johnson, could make the difference on Monday.

Whilst nobody should be pressing the panic button at the Etihad Stadium, Mancini may feel that his expensively-assembled outfit might just require one more acquisition to bolster his attacking options.

City's admiration for Napoli's attacking trio of Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi is hardly a secret. And of the three, it is the Uruguayan Cavani who might be viewed as an upgrade on Dzeko. Seen as a frontman with more goals and guile, and the ability to make a difference in tough away games.

Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie, whose 34 goals in 2011 has taken him to the brink of making history, is another star coveted by City.  But a January move would surely be out of the question with Arsene Wenger's side remaining in the Champions League while both Manchester clubs are out.

Manchester City will eventually have to learn that throwing money at every problem is not always the solution, particularly with the era of Financial Fair Play upon us.  And Roberto Mancini is paid very well to turn his collection of megastars into a cohesive trophy-winning side - who can grind out wins as well as roll over their opponents.

The fact that City are top of the Premier League is testament to the good work he has done. But with Manchester United hitting their stride as is customary this time of year, and the City juggernaut stuttering on the road, another new arrival at the Etihad Stadium could be on the cards.