Inter Milan Back on Top of Serie A

After last season's disappointing eighth placed finish in the Serie A table, Inter Milan seemed to be slowly devolving into a mid-table club just five years after their historic treble under Jose Mourinho. However, after a strong summer transfer window in which Jovetic, Kondogbia, and Ljajic were recruited, Roberto Mancini was given one last chance in order to bring the nerazzurri back into the Champions League places.

In their midweek fixture against Hellas Verona, Inter Milan managed to grind out their fifth consecutive win of the season, maintaining their perfect streak and sticking to the top of the Serie A table with a three point lead over Fiorentina. While their performances haven't been spectacular (winning their first five matches with only six goals scored), Inter Milan has shown to be much more resilient and focussed compared to their past few seasons.

Roberto Mancini has solved the defensive problems (Inter have conceded only one goal in these opening five matches) with new signing Alex Telles and the returning Davide Santon finally providing a bit of stability in the fullback positions. Gary Medel has proven to be a fairly acceptable centre back with the injury of Miranda, and the new signing (and former Juventus midfielder) Felipe Melo has been exceptional in giving the side a much tougher midfield to break down. It was in fact the Brazilian who scored a powerful header to beat Hellas Verona 1-0.

The Inter team celebrating five wins in their first five matches

In terms of attacking options, the faithful Mauro Icardi continues to be Mancini's chosen centre forward, with Jovetic, Perisic, Ljajic, and Palacio being rotated in and out of the attacking trident. Although Jovetic has been the only truly outstanding attacking player for the nerazzurri, Perisic has shown flashes of his ability, Ljajic is a known talent, and Palacio provides plenty of leadership and experience seeing as he is the only one of these players who is above the age of 25.

While it's still early on in the season, this revitalized Inter Milan side has already managed to defeat AC Milan in the Milan derby, and perhaps most importantly manages to trudge their way to victories even when not performing anywhere near their best. However, Roberto Mancini's true test will come this upcoming weekend when Inter hosts second-placed Fiorentina at the San Siro. While the Viola will be looking to end the nerazzurri's streak and make up the current three point deficit, if Inter manages to grind out yet another victory, then the nerazzurri will have truly returned to their top level form of seasons passed.

Mario Balotelli "is an enigma" says David Platt

Manchester City manager David Platt has spoken positively of Mario Balotelli’s behaviour off the pitch, describing him as an ‘enigma’ and praising his improved maturity. The Italian striker was in fine form at the weekend, scoring two goals as City hammered Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford, and he has certainly appeared to be more consistent at the start of this campaign.

 Referring to the much talked about 21-year-old, Platt said:

“I don't think he is a difficult player to manage. He is not someone who sulks. People saw his talent but they perhaps saw it in fleeting moments last season. His behaviour has always been good but there have been too many ups and downs in terms of his concentration levels. But they are there and have been for a good two to three months now. He will lose concentration but you can snap him back out of it. He is never down for a week - it is 10 seconds and then he is out of it.”

Platt finished off by saying, “He is an enigma”.

There is no doubting Balotelli is having a positive influence over City right now two. He played a starring role at Old Trafford of course, but he has scored four other goals so far this season and is a very important part of Roberto Mancini’s plans. He is a fan favourite as well. After opening the scoring at Manchester United, he revealed a t-shirt saying "Why always me?" and plenty have been bought by City fans to pay tribute to one of their newest heroes.

As for Mancini’e men as a whole, they will be very pleased with life right now. Many people with betting money have them down as favourites to win the title. Their derby victory at Old Trafford was a significant turning point in their rivalry with Manchester United. Of course, many sporting tips are saying that the race is far from over – there are only five points between them and second place after all – but there is no doubt whatsoever that City are showing signs of being a major force in world football over the next few years.

Next up for Manchester City and Balotelli is a Carling Cup tie against Wolves. Whether the Italian forward will be able to produce his magic again, we'll have to wait and see.

What are your thoughts on Balotelli and his growing role at Manchester City? Still a child or finally matured? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Boca Juniors Continue to Chase Tevez

Boca Juniors are hoping they can agree a deal to sign Manchester City's outcast striker Carlos Tevez, according to reports. The Argentine forward was suspended by the club earlier this month, following his refusal to come on as a substitute in City's Champions' League defeat to Bayern Munich. After that incident, Roberto Mancini has made it clear that Tevez will never play for the club again.

City have accepted that to allow the player to leave, they will have to accept a cut-price £20m for his services, but Boca may not have the financial resources to fund such a move. Instead, it is understood that they would be looking to bring Tevez in on a loan deal when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Sports betting pundits note how Tevez played for the Buenos Aires club during the early part of his career, between 2001 and 2004. Whether City would be open to loan deals remains to be seen, although it is believed they have already rebuffed several enquiries. West Ham were reported to have been interested in taking the forward back to Upton Park in a remarkable swoop, but their offer was shunned.

Boca Juniors fans would welcome Tevez with open arms.

Before the whole "substitution saga" broke out, Tevez had made his intentions to leave the club clear throughout the summer. He almost joined his former club Corinthians, but the deal collapsed at the last moment when the Brazilian side was unable to negotiate the financial side of the deal. While several Italian clubs have been linked, it remains questionable whether Tevez would be open to such a move, having expressed his interest to move closer to his family.

Indeed, that is what most of the issue in recent seasons has centred around, with him making it clear to those placing sports bets that he does not enjoy life in England. Tevez's scoring record at City has been mightily impressive. In just 65 league appearances, he has notched a staggering 43 goals, helping the side to qualify for the Champions' League for the first time last season. But now it seems like Manchester City don't need Tevez anymore with their star-studded forward line.

What are your thoughts on Tevez leaving Manchester City? Would a move back to Argentina be good for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chelsea and Manchester City Hitting Top Form

Sturridge refrained from celebrating for both of his goals.

Chelsea has been having problems getting into their groove this season while Manchester City is surrounded by the maelstorm of the Tevez fiasco. Yet both clubs displayed dominance this weekend, winning by four goal margins away from home. Chelsea defeated Bolton 5-1 while Manchester City broke down a dispirited Blackburn side 4-0.


Bolton Wanderers - Chelsea

Chelsea had few problems against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok stadium, Lampard claiming a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory for the Blues. A srong start and an early goal for Chelsea when Daniel Sturridge headed in from a corner just 90 seconds in. The young forward had been on loan at Bolton the season before, and he managed to refrain from any celebrations in front of the Bolton crowd. But there were plenty of celebrations when Frank Lampard finished off a smooth Chelsea move (with flicks of the heel and one-touch passing) on the 15 minute mark. Any questions about Lampard's age, or ability to continue being an integral part of the Chelsea system were already being dispelled.

Lampard celebrates his three goals.

As the first half wore on for Bolton, it only got worse for the young keeper Bogdan (replacing injured Jaaskelainen). A low shot from the edge of the box by Sturridge bounced over the Bolton keeper and into the net for Chelsea's third. The fourth came soon after, with Bogdan spilling a long shot by David Luiz, allowing Frank Lampard to jump on the rebound and tuck it away. The first half ended with Chelsea 4-0 up, Sturridge and Lampard both on fire as Bolton fans booed their players (especially Bogdan) into the dressing rooms.

In the second half we saw a revival of Bolton's spirits and strength. Coyle's team pulled one back about a minute into the second half, Boyata powerfully heading it in from a well-delivered free kick by Petrov. Now we were beginning to see Chelsea's frailty. Bolton continued pushing forward, creating some chances and even forcing Ivanovic to make a goal-line clearance (which looked slightly over the line). Yet when Lampard completed his hat-trick (another well crafted passing move between him and Drogba), Chelsea seemed content.

Chelsea showed their dominance away from home against Bolton, with a slick passing style which Andre Villas Boas has been instrumental in achieving. Without Fernando Torres, the team has no problem creating goals. Daniel Sturridge has been improving at a rapid pace, and Frank Lampard has shown that he still has quite a bit to offer the team in their run for the title.

Mario Balotelli's anticipating finish.

Blackburn Rovers - Manchester City

As for Manchester City, Roberto Mancini's players met much less spirited opposition at Blackburn's Ewood Park. The first half was a tight, with Aguero having to be substituted (Samir Nasri replaced him) for injury in the 28th minute, leaving Mario Balotelli as the central striker. The Italian was dangerous, with shots just inches wide and curling onto the post, yet Manchester City went into halftime with the score at 0-0.

In the second half Manchester City managed to find the breakthrough goal thanks to some magic by Adam Johnson. The winger got the ball at the edge of the box from a corner, and he promptly curled it into the far top corner. Just two minutes later Balotelli got his well-earned goal, a tap-in assisted by substitute Samir Nasri. At this point Blackburn were unable to retaliate and the match was already decided.

City fans share their thoughts about Tevez.
Share yours in the comments below!

Nasri got the next goal after some tricky movement and passing with David Silva, and Savic got the fourth with a well-placed header in the dying minutes. While the media has exploded around the Tevez ordeal, Roberto Mancini managed to keep his team together and break down Blackburn. Even if Aguero had to come off for a bit of a groin problem, Balotelli showed that he has the strength and ability to be the lone striker in Mancini's system.

What are your thoughts on Manchester City and Chelsea's impressive performances? Do you think one of these two sides will win the title? Share your thoughts below!

Best Images From Manchester City's FA Cup Victory

Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the final

Manchester City won their first major trophy in 35 years this weekend when they defeated Stoke City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. It was Yaya Toure who scored the only goal of the match, punishing a poor Stoke side which only created one notable chance. Manchester City on the other hand were more adventurous, creating chances while defending well. I wasn't able to watch much of the match, but seeing as many people liked the compilation of the "Best Images of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Barcelona", I've decided to make another one for Manchester City.

I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I'll get back to writing proper posts soon.

The ball bounced around in Stoke's box after Balotelli and David Silva combined...

then it fell to Yaya, who blasted it with his left foot past Sorensen.

The Stoke keeper had no chance of saving the rocket shot.

The goal came in the 75th minute...

and the Ivorian ran off celebrating...

with speedy substitute Adam Johnson.

The rest of the team eventually caught up and dog-piled the goalscorer...

right in front of the happy Manchester City fans.

At the end of the match, Mario Balotelli was awarded the Man of the Match award.

Carlos Tevez lifted the FA Cup.

And Vincent Kompany celebrated with a giant banana (WTF?!) as the team showered in champagne.

Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, and picture-snapping Joleon Lescott all smile with the historic cup.

Tevez then puts a piece of the famous trophy on his head as a hat. 

Roberto Mancini says that it was a victory for the fans, and it certainly was.

Joe Hart celebrated alone, not a surprise as he decided to cover himself in ribbons.

Ramires and David Luiz Score to Defeat Manchester City

David Luiz scored the opener against Manchester City

Unless you hit the ground running, life can be very difficult as a new signing. At Chelsea we saw two Brazilians join, Ramires in the summer and David Luiz in January, and they've both had very different stories with the Blues so far. But recently they both proved very useful to an underachieving Carlo Ancelotti when they both scored to defeat Manchester City.

It was a very tight affair at Stamford Bridge. Roberto Mancini had set out Manchester City to defend and counter, giving Chelsea the majority of possession and goalscoring chances. Chelsea eventually scored in the 79th minute when David Luiz flicked Drogba's free kick past Joe Hart. The Brazilian defender had played a dynamic and lively match, defending well with a youthful energy, his header culminating his excellent performance.

Having seen his side go a goal down, Roberto Mancini decided to try and change the course of things. He substituted Yaya Toure and James Milner with Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson, in hopes that the young pair of substitutes could conjure up something. While this move allowed Manchester City to press forward more, it opened up holes for Chelsea to take advantage of. And in the 90th minute Ramires skipped past the Manchester City defence (like a hot knife through butter with delightful Brazilian flair) before banging in the second goal of the match.

Two goals scored by two Brazilians, winning an important match for Chelsea. With these three points Chelsea leapfrog over Manchester City into third place, solidifying their hopes for a Champions League spot. Manchester City on the other hand are in a slightly precarious position to remain in fourth place, with Tottenham just four points behind them. To make things even tighter, Spurs have a game in hand which if won, can bring them just one point behind Manchester City.

Ramires celebrating his second goal for Chelsea 

But back to Chelsea and the Brazilians. While David Luiz arrived in January, playing well from the start and scoring important goals against Manchester United and now Manchester City, it was a slightly different story for Ramires. David Luiz came to Chelsea as a central defender with skill, Ramires came to Chelsea as a confused midfielder.

Ramires never managed to identify himself in a proper position. He isn't a winger, although his endurance and running ability could suggest that. He isn't an attacking midfielder, because he lacks the invention and spark which one needs. Yet he isn't a defensive midfielder either, his small and wiry frame unable to give many brutish forwards a physical challenge. One could probably describe him best as a complete central midfielder.

Full of energy and vivacity to chase down opponents, Ramires has the bit of Brazilian skill needed to produce moments of magic, and a hardworking attitude which has helped him earn respect at Chelsea. While Ramires is a fantastic utility player, he shouldn't be lumped into that group (a group which is too often under-appreciated). He certainly isn't a player to discard, because he has a tactical understanding which when accompanied with quick thinking makes an underlying difference, often not noticed by the masses.

Now Ramires has begun to acclimatize himself in the Premier League. He has found the right physicality to fight for the ball while incorporating elements of skill into his game at the right time. It all culminated for him against Manchester City, when Ramires was strong throughout the game and he eventually scored a brilliant goal with his Brazilian feet.

A picture perfect Brazilian moment ruined by Lampard

David Luiz and Ramires were truly key players against Manchester City, and it seems like the pair's importance will only grow. David Luiz still has much to learn, especially regarding reckless challenges, but with time he will become an iconic defender. Ramires on the other hand has become adept at learning quietly at his own pace, and now that he's comfortable, he is an important piece in Chelsea's midfield.

The question is, will these players be enough to keep Chelsea in the top four? What are your thoughts on the two Brazilians? Share your thoughts about the match, Chelsea, Manchester City, and anything else below!

Wayne Rooney's Magical Goal Wins Manchester Derby 2-1

Is Rooney finally at peace with himself?

Watching Manchester City this season, they've grown on me. They aren't the most likeable of clubs, yet somehow they have an amiable feel about them.

Maybe it's because they make everything more interesting, with their big spending accompanied by big aspirations. At least, that's what they were supposed to do this weekend. They were supposed to make the Premier League a little more interesting in this Manchester derby, with many fans willing Roberto Mancini's side to dish Manchester United their second defeat of the season.

While Manchester City went to Old Trafford with a relatively attacking mentality, it was Manchester United which claimed the Manchester derby. While Manchester United won, Manchester City were probably the more convincing of the two sides, with a historic goal winning the game for Manchester United.

In the first minutes, Manchester City created some great chances, with the Old Trafford crowd holding its breath too often for their tastes. United held out well, and before halftime they found the lead. Nani was quickly played through the City defence, and Pablo Zabaleta let the winger slip by and finish past Joe Hart. This first goal can almost be wholly attributed to Zabaleta's poor positioning and defending. The left-back didn't come back to form a rigid defensive line, instead he left a hole for Manchester United to exploit. From there, he gave Nani a free run towards goal, not covering Manchester United's Portuguese star.

The first half came to a close with a dominant Manchester City held back by poor incisiveness in front of goal and a defensive lapse of concentration.

In the second half, Manchester United are barely competent, doing their best to hold off Manchester City's constant forward pushing. Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Yaya Toure, and surprisingly, Micah Richards, were all fantastic in combining to create chances. The 22 year-old full-back was solid offensively and defensively, always first to the ball and covering the right flank with endless running.

In the 65th minute Manchester City's efforts are repaid with a goal. Subsitute Shaun Wright-Phillips crossing low from the right wing for Edin Dzeko in the middle. The Bosnian shoots towards the right hand post, but the shot deflects off David Silva's back, leaving Van der Sar to watch the ball spiral into the left side of his net.

After the equalizer, Manchester City realize that they could win the derby with a bit more persistence. Mancini's side puts Manchester United under heavy pressure, forcing Van der Sar to make an outstanding save and Vidic to make some breathtaking interventions.

Yet somehow, this unconvincing Manchester United found the winner. Manchester United widened the field, giving the ball to Nani who crosses a high looping ball towards the middle of the box. Rooney has a bit of space around him, and produces a magnificent overhead kick, with the ball flying into the top right corner. Certainly a contender for "Goal of the Season", and the goal could easily win the 2011 FIFA Puskas award.

Wayne Rooney's spectacular winner

With this 2-1 victory, Manchester United overcome last weekend's loss to Wolves with a historic derby win. This unconvincing Manchester United side has been saved by Wayne Rooney and his fantastic goal. Roberto Mancini has admitted that Manchester City is out of the title race, and that Rooney's goal was fantastic. Yet the Citizens deserved more from this Manchester derby. What do you think? Share your comments below!

Real Madrid Sign Emmanuel Adebayor On Loan

It was just a matter of time. Mourinho was unhappy at Real Madrid, and the Portuguese had been whining consistently for a center-forward after Gonzalo Higuain's back injury. Emmanuel Adebayor didn't fit into Roberto Mancini's plans at Manchester City, especially considering that Manchester City went out and bought Edin Dzeko in this mid-season transfer window. Now, with Adebayor's loan to Real Madrid, everyone is happy. Adebayor is happy to be in the spotlight, Mourinho is happy to get his center-forward, and Manchester City is happy to (temporarily) rid themselves of the Togo international.

Adebayor wasn't Real Madrid's first choice though. Jose Mourinho was keen on bringing back Ruud Van Nilsterooy to the Bernabeu. But while Real Madrid expected Hamburg to let the striker leave, the German club felt rebellious. Even if Van Nilsterooy was interested in a return to Madrid, his club didn't comply with Real's demands.

Yet Adebayor isn't a bad choice. He's an excellent short-term signing, only causing potential problems if kept for more than a season. Adebayor even decided to cut down on his wages, just to make sure that there were no problems with the deal. If Real Madrid are interested in permanently signing Adebayor from Manchester City, they have what they describe a, "unilateral option", to buy him for 15 million Pounds.

Which Real Madrid player will make way for Adebayor?

While Real Madrid's current stars are already fighting for space, it seems like Adebayor could slot perfectly into the starting eleven. Jose Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 formation would accommodate Adebayor, with Kaka, Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo behind him offering extra firepower. That leaves Di Maria and Benzema on the bench, allowing Mourinho to rotate and/or use them as super-subs to inject some adrenaline late into the game.

All that remains a mystery is which player will be on the bench to make way for Adebayor. Could it be Kaka, who has finally returned to form? Or will it be Benzema, unliked by Mourinho? Share your comments below!

Fights Within Manchester City As Edin Dzeko Arrives

Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor being separated by teammates

There has been much criticism aimed towards Roberto Mancini's Manchester City. Although the Italian has guided City to third in the Premier League table, he still has a lot of work to do. This hectic month is the window for City to get rid of a few problems, and buy a talented Bosnian forward.

It seems like every team in the Premier League lacks something this season. Arsenal could use a pair of strong defenders, Manchester United wouldn't mind a creative central midfielder, and Manchester City lacks overall team spirit. While there are plenty stars at the club, it doesn't mean that they get along with each other. From homesick Carlos Tevez to wild Mario Balotelli, Manchester City are an asylum with their hands full of patients.

The latest spat/scrap/punch-out was between two former Arsenal players, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor. Funnily enough, this latest ardent disagreement is right before Manchester City travel to face Arsenal. The two players lost their cool during a non-contact practice match when Toure stuck his leg out behind him in order to halt Adebayor. The Togo international wasn't too happy, and the two eventually had to be physically separated by teammates.

Tricky Toure decides to leave his leg behind, tripping Adebayor

This isn't the first time we've seen animosity in the Manchester City camp. Mario Balotelli has had his fair share of disagreements with many squad members, and Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini have come close to exchanging blows in the locker room. It really isn't a surprise that Adebayor has begun to get a little restless, especially with the mid-season transfer window upon us. 

Adebayor's restlessness could be caused by Edin Dzeko, the tall, strong, goalscoring Bosnian forward who will soon be arriving at City from Wolfsburg. The two clubs have decided on the price of 27 million Pounds, and it seems like the move has already been sorted out. But where does this leave unhappy Adebayor? 

Well, there's another unhappy man situated in Madrid who has been demanding a proper center-forward. After Gonzalo Higuain suffered an injury which will sideline him for about six months, the only true striker left at Real Madrid is Karim Benzema. Jose Mourinho has been keeping his eyes on Adebayor, and a loan deal with the possibility of becoming a permanent transfer would certainly please the Portuguese coach. But Adebayor has also been observed by Malaga, owned by a member of the royal family of Qatar, and they're willing to pay Emmanuel a hefty salary if he joins. It wouldn't be unlikely that Adebayor goes to ply his trade in Spain for the rest of the season, making pretty much everybody happier.

But looking at all this internal tension at Manchester City, could Mancini's team get a result at the Emirates? Mario Balotelli and David Silva are unable to play, and Arsenal have just defeated Birmingham City at St. Andrew's Stadium 3-0, so an Arsenal win seems the most likely result. Share your comments on what you think will happen below!

What Is Stopping Manchester City From Winning The Premier League?

Roberto Mancini notably excited about City's title chances

Looking at the Premier League right now, things look like a mess. Plenty of teams have fixtures to make up due to weather problems, sides are forced to play something like four matches in eleven days, and although Manchester City are second in the table, I hear people saying that they aren't title contenders.

It's tough to make sense out of this table of teams which has some sides up to three games behind other sides (Blackpool... get some proper undersoil heating next time you want to play in the winter...), but what we can ascertain is that this period is very important to how the season will pan out. While teams are having their ups and downs - like Chelsea losing to Arsenal and then winning against Bolton - it's the teams which can consistently get results which will come out on top after this tough winter time.

Right now Manchester United and Manchester City are equal with 38 points at the top of the table (although United has two games in hand compared to City). Behind the pair from Manchester Arsenal are at 36 points and Chelsea are at 34 points (both London clubs have a game in hand compared to City). While Manchester City aren't thrashing the opposition, they're holding their own in the title race.

More than just some star players, they're a team 

To say that a team with so much talent is unable to win the Premier League this season seems wild to me. Roberto Mancini seems to have calmed down the big-money club and organize the group of superstars into a team. He started by teaching them to defend as a team, and now he is beginning to allow his team to become more attacking as a unit, not as individuals.

With Blackpool travelling to Eastlands on Saturday, and Manchester City going to Arsenal Wednesday, these two fixtures are a chance for Roberto Mancini's side to prove that they are title contenders. Two wins in these two fixtures doesn't seem all that impossible, and if City pull them off, they'll be pushing for the title with plenty of conviction.

I'm of the opinion that if Manchester City manage to take advantage of this tiring winter period, they'll truly become title contenders. Do you think Manchester City are title contenders? Share your comments below!

Can Manchester City Win Without Tevez?

Tevez suspended for City's match against West Ham

Any player who has a record of 30 goals in 50 Premier League appearances is going to be missed, so it is understandable that Roberto Mancini is calling for his Manchester City players to stand up, and be counted in the absence of Carlos Tevez.

Those following the Live match score centre closely when City are involved will note that they have won just one game without Tevez goal all year – a 2-0 win away at West Brom – and he has scored nearly half of all their goals this season, 10 out of 21.


His goals have blasted City up to fourth in the table and a win at bottom-placed club West Ham on Saturday will see them leapfrog Chelsea into third.

Considering the amount of money spent at the City of Manchester Stadium in recent years, it is surprising to see them rely so heavily on one player. However, thanks to a fifth yellow card of the season picked up against Bolton last week (where he scored the only goal of course), Carlos Tevez will be suspended.

Mario Balotelli will take Tevez's place against West Ham

With fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor unable to train this week thanks to a groin injury, £25 million striker Mario Bolotelli looks set to step in.

Livescore football pundits note that the  controversial 20-year-old striker has yet to really settle since his big money move from Inter Milan in the summer, and was involved in a training ground altercation with team-mate Jerome Boateng earlier this month. However, City assistant boss David Platt believes the Italian is the best finisher at the club and has backed him to do the business against the Hammers.

In the absence of the influential Tevez, it’s Bolotelli’s big chance to prove it. What do you think? Can Manchester City win without Tevez? Comment below!

Man City pummel Liverpool in 2nd day goalfest

So many goals, 38 goals to be exact. With so many teams thrashing others, the Premier League is really beginning to get exciting. Along with this, Chelsea have achieved the best start in Premier League history, two wins and a goal difference of 12 goals. And now, let's see how many teams got thrashed, starting with Liverpool.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 celebrating the second goal

Manchester City - Liverpool
I was doubtful about Manchester City and it's massive spending spree, and I was also doubtful about how Roberto Mancini would do, considering at Inter Milan he was the master of defensive football. But Manchester City played some fantastic football against Liverpool, crushing the reds 3-0. Barry started the scoring with a fantastic well worked opportunity which started with Johnson and ended with him tapping the ball past Reina. Then in the second half Tevez scored a double, flicking the ball in from a corner and scoring a penalty earned by Johnson. City played like a team, every player was fantastic, and the new signing, James Milner fit in fantastically. But there's just one curiosity from my part about this team, what about Silva, Balotelli, Adebayor, Santa Cruz, and Robinho? Will they get any playing time?

Celebration from Anelka and Drogba, the meaning of it?

As for the other matches, Chelsea destroyed Wigan 6-0, with Anelka and Kalou getting doubles and Benayoun and Malouda scoring the other goals. Arsenal also reached six against Blackpool,
dragging them back to earth after their opening day win 4-0 over Wigan. Walcott got a hat trick with some phenomenal play up front, and Chamakh got his first goal for the gunners. Newcastle also scored six in a surprise win over Aston Villa with Carroll scoring three so that Joey Barton can finally shave. Fulham drew 2-2 with Manchester United thanks to a late equalizer from Hangeland who just five minutes before scored an own goal. Gareth Bale scored a double to let Tottenham win 2-1 away at Stoke City, Everton drew 1-1 with Wolves, Birmingham beat Blackburn 2-1, Bolton beat West Ham 3-1, and Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom defeated Sunderland 1-0.

And a reminder, be sure not to miss the second leg of the Champions League qualifiers tommorow! There's tasty battles like Sampdoria who at home will need to overturn the first leg loss of 3-1 against Werder Bremen, Sevilla who need to beat Braga at home after they lost 1-0 in Portugal, and there's a couple of more rather un-interesting ties for the general public, but if you can, take a look anyways because they could be in this season's Champions League!

Boateng to Manchester City and Hitzlsperger to West Ham

While there have been plenty of injuries with the upcoming World Cup like Ferdinand, Ballack, Pirlo, Altidore, Robben, Essien, and Africa's very own Drogba, there have been two very interesting signings which have made their way to the English Premier League.

Both of them are German and only one of them will be going to the World Cup, they're Jerome Boateng and Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Boateng at the age of 21 made the 2010 Germany World Cup team and was signed by Manchester City from Hamburg for an undisclosed fee although it seems like Manchester City will be paying about 15 million dollars to the German club. Boateng has signed a 5-year deal and is the third player to move from Hamburg to the blue side of Manchester, Mancini said that he wanted a quality player that could play in a variety of defensive positions, and Boateng could be the perfect player for the Italian.

Hitzlsperger on the other hand was left out of the German team traveling to South Africa and is 28 years old, so the German was looking to revitalize his career. Hitzlsperger was included in the 2006 World Cup squad and in the 2008 DURO squad, so Thomas will be looking to make the squad for the 2012 EUROs. What better way to do that then to join Avram Grant, the manager who took Chelsea to the champions League final and revitalized what seemed like a dead and buried Portsmouth. What's also great is that the stingy owners at West Ham landed this top quality player on a free-transfer, so we could see some more cunning signings by West Ham as they hopefully steer clear of relegation next season.

Transfer Wrap Up: Toni Goes on Loan to Roma and Both Sides of Milan Looking at Liverpools Unhappy Gems

With most of the worlds football in a bit of a quiet moment, the transfer news and rumors are really starting to pick up, players are restless and want to be sure they can get in their national sides for the upcoming world cup.


Toni leaves Bayern on loan to Roma


It is official now, on Bayern Munich's official website it says,

"Luca Toni requested to be loaned to AS Roma until the end of the season for personal reasons"

and now Toni's wish was granted, the Italian striker has moved to Roma until the end of this season, hoping to get regular playing time so that he can enter the World Cup squad for 2010. Toni's personal reasons can probably explained by his minimal playing time with the first team, Bayern coach Louis Van Gaal and Toni often had disputes, and Toni was hoping Van Gaal would be sacked, but instead Toni left for Rome.


Beckham already training with AC Milan


Beckham has been reunited with AC Milan, and now the rossoneri's season might start looking up with the addition of the English midfielder. Beckham has high hopes of entering the England squad for 2010, and Capello has recently hinted to Beckham already being a certainty for South Africa 2010.


Inter Milan looking at Gerrard and AC Milan see Torres as an option

With Liverpool's bad spell of results, many of the top players are unsettled and restless, especially the spanish striker Fernando Torres who said that if Liverpool do not grab a Champions League spot then he will leave in the summer. While Torres shows his unhappiness, it seems that Gerrard is keeping his inside, with the bad results Liverpool has had, he might be looking to go abroad for what could be his last move in his career. Inter Milan are looking at Gerrard closely and have supposedly already sent officials to England to oversee the possible transfer.


Manchester City looking for big names to sign over the summer


With Roberto Mancini at the helm of Manchester's blue side, many more players are considering Manchester City a possible option for their career. Mancini has already targeted many Serie A players like Juventus' Buffon and Chiellini, Inter Milan's Cordoba, Napoli's Hamsik, and Palermo's Kjaer. But much bigger names could be on the way like Ribery, Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Gerrard, Mascherano, and Torres. If Manchester City can get Champions League football for next year, many of these players could consider City as a possible option.


Vidic could leave United for Real Madrid, to be replaced by Porto's Bruno Alves


Manchester United have put a 30 million price tag on Nemanja Vidic, and it is possible that the Serbian could leave for Madrid, as Real are having a lot of defensive troubles. If this move were to take place, United are looking at Bruno Alves as the possible replacement, the Porto defender has Champions League experience and could be looking for a big move. Another name for the future would be Palermo's Kjaer, the young Danish defender is tracked by many big clubs.

Manchester City Sack Hughes and Roberto Mancini Comes In

Mark Hughes says, "I was given no warning" but nonetheless he is now without a job, after being sacked by the head boss, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Manchester City were hoping for a better start to their season, and even though they won against Sunderland with a fantastic 4-3 scoreline, head boss says,“

"A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set.  Sheikh Mansour and the Board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change."

Now that Hughes is out, Man City found a manager with a much better international reputation, Roberto Mancini, who by the way will be paid the large sum of 3 million pounds a year until 2013. But the catch in this wonder contract is that if after 6 months Man City isn't seeing Champions League in the near future, then the contract can be terminated. To take on this mission, Mancini has brought with him assistant manager Brian Kidd, formerly of Manchester United.

Can Roberto Mancini bring Champions League to the blue side of Manchester? Comment below and vote in the poll!