Manchester City cruised to a 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham on Wednesday as Pep Guardiola's side returned to action for the first time following the club's shock two-year ban from European competitions.

Goals from Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne lifted City's spirits as they cemented their hold on second place in the Premier League.

Rodri headed City into a 29th minute lead and City fans become truly animated as their team maintained their complete dominance against the visitors.

A second-half goal from De Bruyne ensured that City returned from the winter break.

10,000 empty seats at the Etihad Stadium

The Champions League and Europa League suspension for alleged financial fair-play (FFP) regulations drew a furious response over the weekend from City supporters who have long believed the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) hold an agenda against their Abu Dhabi-owned club.

Yet the attendance at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester for the visit of David Moyes' struggling side was disappointing, with approximately 10,000 empty seats greeting the two sets of players before kick-off.

Guardiola will '100 percent' stay at Man City

Pep Guardiola insisted on Wednesday that he will stay with Manchester City and vowed that the "truth will prevail" over their shock two-year ban from European competitions.

"It's not finished. The club believes it's unfair so we are going to appeal. We are going to fight like we have fought every single game," Guardiola told Sky Sports after the match.

"We are optimistic that at the end the truth will prevail and next season we will be in the Champions League.

"No matter what happens I will be here next season."

"If they don't sack me I will stay here 100 percent more than ever. First because I want to stay. It's something special, more than the contract I have," Guardiola said.

"I said before, I say now, I want to stay and help the club and maintain this level as long as possible.

"When I said I love this club I like to be here, why should I leave? No matter what happens I will be here next season."

Combative attitude

City's chief executive Ferran Soriano was clearly in a combative mood when discussing the approach to their latest confrontation with UEFA.

"The fans can be sure of two things. The first one is that the allegations are false," said Soriano, who confirmed the club will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"And the second is that we will do everything that can be done to prove so."