Manchester City continued their perfect Premier League record at the Etihad Stadium this season, notching a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham.
A Sergio Aguero penalty and Chris Barid own-goal put City two up at half-time before Edin Dzeko stroked home a third to give Roberto Mancini's side an easy win in freezing conditions.
Stefan Savic came into the City backline in place of injured skipper Vincent Kompany with Aleksandar Kolarov and Adam Johnson also replacing Gael Clichy and James Milner.
Martin Jol re-installed Mark Schwarzer to his line-up and opted for Baird rather than John Arne Riise at left-back for the visitors, while Clint Dempsey partnered Moussa Dembele in attack.
City started dominantly and had early chances through Dzeko, the Bosnian firing into Schwarzer's arms before flicking over from Gareth Barry's cross under pressure from Brede Hangeland.
The home side had a glorious chance to open the scoring after ten minutes, Adam Johnson squeezing his way into the box before going over Baird's outstretched leg. Mike Dean pointed to the spot and Aguero dispatched the penalty with ease.
Fulham were struggling to get a foothold in the game with City dominating possession but they looked to work a way back into the game as Simon Davies' low shot was saved by Hart.
And it was not long before City doubled their lead, Johnson firing the ball across goal and with Baird unfortunately positioned, the Northern Irishman was only able to cannon a deflection past Schwarzer.
Despite the blow, Fulham responded strongly after the interval, Stephen Kelly almost troubling an off-balanced Hart with a toe-poked effort, before the England number one dealt comfortably with Baird's rifled free-kick.
City jolted into action, Aguero turned neatly in the box but saw his shot blocked by Danny Murphy before Aleksandar Kolarov curled a close-range free-kick over the bar.
Soon after City had their third, Aguero picking the ball up on the left flank and darting into the box, breezing past two defenders before squaring to the unmarked Dzeko who tapped home from eight yards.
Fulham continued to chase a late goal, but they were unable to find the net and City kept yet another home clean sheet to move three points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.