James Milner, on his City debut, set up his former Aston Villa team-mate Gareth Barry to side-foot in the first goal in the 13th minute.

And the Argentina striker got on the end of Micah Richards’s header seven minutes into the second half.

Liverpool — without Javier Mascherano amid reports the Argentina international was on his way to Barcelona — saw captain Steven Gerrard hit the post with a powerful shot.

And in the ensuing scramble City goalkeeper Joe Hart made a fine double save to deny both David Ngog and Fernando Torres.

Tevez made the game safe from the penalty spot after Adam Johnson was brought down by Martin Skrtel.

City manager Roberto Mancini said it was too soon to call his expensively-assembled side title contenders.

“I don’t know this,” the Italian said. “I think it’s important to improve game after game, we need to gel. We need the time to become a strong squad.”

Defeat left Liverpool with just one point from two games after their intitial draw with Arsenal but manager Roy Hodgson pleaded for a sense of perspective about the results.

“We are only two matches into the season,” he said. “We had Arsenal in the first game which we had to play with 10 men (after Joe Cole’s sending-off) and then a strong Manchester City side.

“It’s a bit premature to start discussing how big the match is,” former Fulham manager Hodgson added.

“Hopefully in the next 36 games we can take some points.” City’s win came as their billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour visited the ground for the first time since buying the club two years ago and he was treated to a stunning performance from his side.

It would have been much worse for Liverpool had City, with Adam Johnson in sensational form, taken half the chances they created. City fans hoping for a glimpse of 25-million-pound striker Mario Balotelli were left disappointed as he looked on from the sidelines as he recovered from a knee-cartilage injury that forced him to miss training on Sunday.

Johnson started the move that led to City’s opener with a delightful pass to Milner. He squared to an unmarked Barry, who moved from Villa to Eastlands last year for 12 million pounds, to score from 10 yards, the England midfielder’s third Premier League goal for City.

Liverpool were subdued and clearly missed Mascherano’s influence in midfield as Tevez burst into the danger area before firing into the side netting.

They were no better after the break and two goals in the space of 16 minutes from Tevez sealed the worst night of Hodgson’s spell in charge so far.

Liverpool’s defence was again all at sea as Tevez scrambled the ball over the line from close range after a powerful header by Richards.

The visitors were clearly shell-shocked.

Gerrard tried to rally his side but even the Liverpool captain could not ride to the rescue on this occasion.

City’s battling qualities were highlighted in the 58th minute when, after Gerrard had been denied by the woodwork, Ngog had a shot saved by Hart before Torres had a follow up effort charged down.

Liverpool’s wretched night was complete when Skrtel brought down man-of-the-match Johnson in the box and Tevez beat Pepe Reina from the spot.

Source: supersport.co.za

Pic: sport24.co.za

Tevez and Neville exchanged gestures during the clubs’ Carling Cup semi-final clash at Eastlands on Tuesday night after Neville claimed in an interview at the weekend that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had done the right thing in letting Tevez leave in the summer.

The Argentina forward told ESPN Radio: “In all the press here, Gary Neville came out and stood by Ferguson’s comments, saying that I wasn’t worth £25million.

“I thought he was in the wrong because we were team-mates and I never disrespected him, I always respected him.

“I feel he was a boot-licker when he stood by Ferguson’s comments that I wasn’t worth that money.

“From a former team-mate it hurts, from a coach it doesn’t surprise me.”

After Tevez converted his penalty, he ran to celebrate with the City fans, in front of whom Neville was warming up.

Tevez gestured to Neville to keep his mouth shut. Neville immediately retorted with a one-fingered gesture in Tevez’s direction.

Tevez explained: “I would never do that gesture towards the fans, I would never show a lack of respect towards people. It was directed at Gary Neville.

“Just as I was running off to celebrate the penalty I had scored, I came across Gary and I said to myself, ‘shut your trap, keep quiet’.

“I didn’t go overboard in my celebration and it was directed at Gary, not at Ferguson and not at the fans. I didn’t even look at Ferguson.

“You have to do your talking on the pitch. I know that Ferguson loves me, that’s why he always talks about me.”

Tevez was upset when he first heard of Neville’s newspaper comments.

“I was the first to sit down to have lunch in the team hotel and all the papers were laid out,” he said.

“I looked at them as, although I couldn’t read them, there were (photos) of Gary Neville and they were talking about me.

“Then I asked my team-mates what it said.

“I thought to myself, ‘what’s this idiot talking about me for when I never said anything about him, when there was never any [problems] with us?’

“It was a lack of respect for a (former) team-mate, aside from the fact that we had won a lot of things together.”

Tevez went on to say he may not stay in England for much longer.

“Things are going well for me; the goals are coming. I’m in good shape, I have avoided ­injuries,” he said.

“As a kid I would never have imagined I would live in England for four years. I am very happy and contented that my daughter is growing up in a country as developed as this one.

“But the truth is that it’s very, very hard for me to live here, so far away from my loved ones.

“I’m not exactly an example of how to learn English; I just can’t get it into my head. I’m learning hardly anything, truth be told. I don’t go out much, I spend most of my time at home.

“My daughter just brought me a Boca Juniors shirt and she wants me to join Boca. I am a Boca fan and I know I’ll go back one day but I don’t know when.”

The two teams face off again in the second leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Source: football365.com

Ryan Giggs opened the scoring in the first half before Carlos Tevez struck twice, once from the spot, to swing the tie in the Citizens’ favour.

The game took 15 minutes to warm up, but United scored with the first genuine goal scoring opportunity of the game. Playing out from the back, Patrice Evra lofted a pass to Antonio Valencia, who beat his marker, attacked the byline and hit a low cross to the front post. Wayne Rooney hit a side-footed shot from close range, Shay Given saved but the rebound spilled out to his right andGiggs was on hand to tap the ball into the open net: 1-0 to Manchester United.

Tevez had a great opportunity to equalise with the next attempt on goal. The Argentinian ran at  the United defence from deep, before turning back towards his own goal and playing the ball out to the right. He made a run into the penalty area as City attacked down the flank with Shaun Wright-Phillips. The English winger swung the ball into the middle and Tevez jumped unchallenged to meet the cross, but his header was poor and bobbled out for a goal kick.

Edwin van der Sar was called into action in the 27th minute, Craig Bellamy crossed into a congested penalty area from the left. His delivery dipped into the six yard box and was met by Micah Richards, whose header deflected off Dedryck Boyata and safely into the arms of the Netherlands ‘keeper.

The Citizens had a penalty in the 40th minute, Bellamy burst down the left and was played through by Tevez. The pass cut out Rafael da Silva and the Brazilian was struggling to keep up with Bellamy. As the Welshman entered the box he was tugged back by Rafael and went down, the referee pointed to the spot. United were furious as initial contact was made outside the box, but their protestations didn’t change the decision.

Despite van der Sar being booked for time wasting, Tevez held his nerve and smashed the penalty down the middle and into the roof of the net: 1-1.

Rooney sprang to life five minutes into the second half. Wes Brown played a long ball forward for the England international and Vincent Kompany couldn’t stop the pass reaching Rooney in the right-hand side of the box. He latched onto the ball and went for goal, but Given had closed the angle quickly and knocked the ball out for a corner.

City had United under pressure from a couple of corners, but the visitors had the next clear chance of the game. Rooney made a run down the left channel and was fed the ball, he was met by two blue shirts as he entered the box but he checked back and floated a cross towards the back post. The cross was good and Giggs managed to get his head to it, aiming his header at the near post, but Given saved comfortably.

Tevez scored his second in the 65th minute, Wright-Phillips drove at the heart of the United defence and tried to play Bellamy in on the left. His pass was deflected and went out for a corner. Bellamy whipped it into the box and punched to the edge of the box, Pablo Zabaleta headed it back to Kompany who was in the right-hand side of the box. The Belgium midfielder hooked the ball back into the middle and Tevez sprang up to head the ball beyond van der Sar: 2-1 to City.

United ploughed forward in search of an equaliser, Michael Owen replaced Anderson and combined with Rooney to engineer a chance. The two Englishmen exchanged passes on the edge of the box and Owen slipped Rooney through, he shot first time but Given was quick off his line again to deny the Liverpudlian. The rebound came back to Owen who also struck first time, his scuffed shot deceived Given but substitute Nedum Onuoha was covering his ‘keeper and cleared from the goal line.

Rooney almost scored a sublime goal for Manchester United, he picked the up on the left and turned substitute Onuoha inside out as he drove into the area. Cutting onto his left foot, Rooney got his shot off quickly, stabbing the ball goal wards, but Given got his fingertips to the ball and pushed it over the crossbar.

Evra dazzled the City defence, zig-zagging his way past two defenders before sending a wonderful cross to the back post. Valencia ghosted in at the back post unmarked and had a clear goal to aim at, but couldn’t make full contact on the volley as the ball spun wide and he crashed into the post. He had been flagged offside and it wouldn’t have counted.

City survived a late United onslaught, hanging on through five minutes of extra time to take a lead into the second leg at Old Trafford.

Source: goal.com

Pic: supersport.co.za

Tevez, whose goals helped West Ham avoid relegation in 2007 before he moved to Manchester United, scored after five and 61 minutes as City completed a deserved win.

Monday’s result rounded off an entertaining weekend of Premier League action with the 10 matches producing 37 goals.

Manchester United, 2-0 winners at Stoke City, top the table on 18 points, ahead on goal difference of Chelsea, who dropped points for the first time this season when they lost 3-1 at Wigan Athletic.

City’s win took them to 15 points, alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, who had thumping victories over Burnley and Hull City respectively. Arsenal and Aston Villa have 12.

West Ham remained third-last with four points from six games.

City, who won their first four league games of the season before their stoppage-time 4-3 defeat by Manchester United, were on top from the start at Eastlands.

They went ahead after five minutes when Martin Petrov squared for former Hammers hero Tevez to fire in from close range.

Tevez had two more good early chances before West Ham grabbed an unexpected equaliser after 24 minutes when a Radoslav Kovac shot was deflected in by striker Carlton Cole, only for Petrov to restore the lead eight minutes later with a well-struck free kick.

Man City took charge after the break and made it 3-1 on the hour when Tevez was left unmarked for the second time to head in a free kick from Craig Bellamy, another former Hammer.

Striker Roque Santa Cruz, bought for 17.5 million pounds from Blackburn Rovers, came on 10 minutes from the end for a belated debut but could not convert the once decent chance he got as City finished on top.

Source + Pic: supersport.co.za

Manchester City

The Argentina star tweaked his knee during World Cup duty with his country last weekend and has already been ruled out of Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday.

Early indications are Tevez will also sit out the Old Trafford encounter with United on September 20.

Tevez is desperate to play against his former club, having assumed cult hero status at City due to his bitter departure from United.

And Hughes will give the South American every opportunity.

“The Argentine medical people said it would be two or three weeks,” said the City boss.

“We think it might be less than that but he is a doubt for the derby next week.

“However, we will do everything in our power to get him fit because, for obvious reasons, he would love to play in that match.”

Meanwhile, City will wait for the results of scans on Robinho’s ankle injury before deciding whether the Brazilian will face the Gunners.

“He had a little bit of swelling on the ankle,” confirmed Hughes.

“We do not think there is a significant injury there but it is best to check to make sure there is no stress fracture.

“Once we get the results we can decide whether he plays tomorrow or not.”

Source: football365.com

Carlos Tevez

The 25-year-old, who spent two years at Old Trafford under a lease agreement, said Ferguson had not done enough to persuade him to stay at the champions.

City paid a reported £25.5 million for Tevez whose “economic rights” were owned by agent Kia Joorabchian.

“Alex never called me or sent me any text messages,” Tevez, who signed a five-year contract, said. “The only time he spoke to me was after the match against Roma because we had to discuss me playing for Argentina.

“I don’t think that is the way to treat a player who has been two years at the club.”

Ferguson said on Monday that he had personally tried to contact Tevez in January about extending his stay at United but that the striker had ignored his calls.

Tevez was the third major pre-season signing for City who are owned by Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour after midfielder Gareth Barry and striker Roque Santa Cruz.

City manager Mark Hughes confirmed that the club had also opened talks with Arsenal about buying Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

“There’s been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it’s not been concluded as we speak here,” Hughes said.

Tevez was a firm favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 34 goals in 98 appearances but often had to make do with a place on the bench. He was among the substitutes for the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in May.

He said City’s potential was a major factor in him moving across the city.

“Both the technical department and the ownership came with a very good proposal for me and this showed that they have the ambition to become one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he said.

“Money was not a factor for me.”

With Paraguay international Santa Cruz and possibly Adebayor in the squad next season, Tevez may have to fight for his place.

“In every team you have to win the respect of your team mates and sweat the shirt,” he said. “I would not be happy if I was assured a first-team place.”

City have been linked with Chelsea captain John Terry but Hughes would not be drawn on the speculation surrounding the England defender.

“I have fantastic respect for John Terry, as a great player and as an outstanding captain. But he is a Chelsea player at this moment in time so we have to respect that,” he said.

Source: supersport.co.za

Carlos Tevez

The Argentina striker left City’s more illustrious neighbor Manchester United after winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup in just two seasons.

“This is the chance to be involved from the start, an opportunity to help build a special experience,” Tevez said ahead of his planned unveiling on Tuesday.

Tevez has agreed to a five-year deal with a club that hasn’t won the league title since 1968, but has been able to embark on a money-no-object spending spree since being bought last September by Sheikh Mansour, a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family.

Forwards Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz, along with England midfielder Gareth Barry, have already joined the City revolution.

Manager Mark Hughes is pursuing an audacious approach for lifelong Chelsea defender and England captain John Terry and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

“There is a great feeling of excitement around the club,” Tevez said ahead of his medical examination at City. “Look at the quality of the players who have been signed and the prospect of other

top-quality players coming, too. Things are happening at this club. “The owners made it clear to me that they will be doing everything in their power to make this an extraordinary club to play for. I look forward to being part of that experience.”

The group that owned Tevez’s economic rights was asking clubs to pay £25.5 million to sign him permanently. The 25-year-old Tevez said his track record of success will help City’s pursuit of a first title since winning the League Cup in 1976.

“I hope to win many more trophies with City,” he said. “This is a new adventure for me and I thank the people who have made this possible.

“My record of success speaks for itself. From helping West Ham to avoid relegation to helping Manchester United to two Champions League finals in two seasons. That’s not a bad record.”

Tevez rejected a permanent deal with United when his two-year loan deal expired last month because he felt manager Alex Ferguson wasn’t starting him in enough matches.

“When I get the chance to play, I am confident that it can lead to goals, for me and for my teammates. I am a team player who can score goals. I know my responsibilities,” Tevez said. “Mark Hughes played in my position for some of the biggest clubs in the world and understands the demands and pressure of playing as a striker. I look forward to learning from him.”

The problem for Hughes is how to deploy his array of attackers.

Aside from Tevez, Robinho and Santa Cruz, the manager has Benjani Mwaruwari, Ched Evans, Felipe Caicedo and Valeri Bojinov at his disposal. Like Jo’s deal with Everton, some of them could be heading out on loan.

“Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward,” Hughes said. “He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension.”

Source: supersport.co.za

Pic: blog.ecr.co.za

Joorabchian told Radio del Plata: “Right now we are evaluating the proposals from Manchester City, Chelsea and one other team.

“In the next two weeks, Carlos, Adrian (Rouco, Tevez’s agent) and I will meet to sort this out.

“City is a club with most of the chances because they are building a big squad, but it is not a decisive point.

“The contract with United officially runs to until June 31 and we’ll respect that. After July 1, we’ll see. We may be defined in 10 days.”

Last weekend, Tevez turned down a lucrative five-year offer to stay at Old Trafford, with Joorabchian making clear it arrived too late.

“Carlitos has never asked United for money, he has never complained about his contract. It is not a problem regarding money, but we never talked about that in two years.

“In two years, (United manager Sir Alex) Fergurson always said we were going to sit down to negotiate but we never did so. He sent an offer, but it was too late because they had not offered anything in two years.”

Source: teamtalk.com

Hugo Rodallega had given the Latics a deserved half-time lead but substitute Carlos Tevez came off the bench to grab the equaliser, before Michael Carrick smashed home the winner with five minutes remaining.

It was far from vintage United, but just as champions do, they ground out a victory despite not playing well against Steve Bruce’s stubborn side.

The hosts wasted a wonderful opportunity to grab an early lead with only a minute on the clock.

Antonio Valencia – reportedly a summer target for United – outpaced Johnny Evans and Nemanja Vidic to go clear on goal but when faced with only Edwin van der Sar to beat, the Ecuadorian made a mess of his attempted chip, miscuing the ball horribly wide.

The let-off stirred the champions but unusually, their finishing let them down twice in the space of 60 seconds as they began to take control.

Firstly, Wayne Rooney headed horribly wide in the tenth minute following superb work from Dimitar Berbatov on the right, before the England striker almost made amends by crossing low for Carrick, who was narrowly off target with a first-time effort from close range.

Van der Sar was then called upon to tip Valencia’s free-kick around his post before fielding Rodallega’s drive from outside the box as the Latics showed they were not prepared to roll-over for the title-chasing Red Devils, despite having little but pride to play for.

Rodellaga rammed home that point when he put Wigan in front on 27 minutes. The Columbian hitman out-muscled Nemanja Vidic to win a long-ball into the United box, before recovering his composure to lash the ball home inside van der Sar’s near post.

Going behind clearly rattled United, who struggled to break down the stubborn Latics resistance after their two early misses.

The second-half’s early exchanges showed no real sign of a United fightback so Tevez was thrown on for Anderson just before the hour mark, and the United fans’ favourite took just four minutes to make his impact.

Carrick miscued his shot from distance but with the ball heading wide, Tevez turned himself inside-out to brilliantly flick the ball past Richard Kingson.

The goal inspired United but they had to wait until five minutes from time to grab their winner.

John O’Shea bombed forward to cut the ball back to Carrick, who lashed home superbly with his left foot from the edge of the box.

The late winner leaves United needing only one point from their last two games to seal their third consecutive title, something they can do on home soil by avoiding defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

Source + Pic: teamtalk.com