Man City

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...t-city?cc=4716

Adebayor: ANC could cost City
December 25, 2011

Emmanuel Adebayor believes the wheels could come off ManC's title challenge when they lose Yaya Toure 4 the African Nations Cup next year.

City hv enjoyed a near-faultless start 2 their Premier League campaign, losing just 1s in their opening 17 matches 2 open up a 2-point gap on ManU @ the top of the table.

Roberto Mancini has rotated his squad on a regular basis, but Yaya Toure has been 1 of the few 2 maintain a regular place in the starting XI thanks 2 his tireless displays in midfield.

However, Mancini will hv 2 do without the former Barcelona man 4 up 2 a month next year as he heads 2 Gabon & Equatorial Guinea 2 take part in the African Nations Cup along with his brother & City team-mate Kolo Toure.

And Adebayor, who is on loan @ Spurs fr City, thinks losing both players will be a big challenge tat he hopes Tottenham can take advantage of.

''They hv 2 players going 2 the African Nations Cup. Kolo Toure is not playing alot but he is a great player,'' Adebayor said. ''Yaya Toure has been amazing 4 them tis year.

''We will hv 2 wait & see (how they cope). In football u can hv 2 or 3 injuries in a week. Tat has happened 2 us recently.

''City hv a great team, a great spirit & @ the moment they r playing good football, but if they got a couple of injuries I think it would be very difficult 4 them.''

The tournament takes place fr January 21 to February 12, during which time City face Spurs, Everton, Fulham & Aston Villa, while both players will also miss the game against Wigan on January 16 due 2 the Ivory Coast's training camp.

Cameroon's failure 2 qualify, & Togo's ban, mean tat Spurs will not lose any of their players, leaving Adebayor buoyant abt his side's chances of boosting their title chances if injuries 2 the likes of Aaron Lennon, Rafael van der Vaart & Jermain Defoe clear up.

''We will hv every1 here when the African Nations Cup is on,'' the 27-year-old said. ''Now we just hv 2 hope tat all our players come back fit very soon becos we hv Lennon out 4 a couple of weeks maybe.

''Gareth Bale got a kick again on the ankle against Chelsea. Hopefully it is not 2 bad. We just hv 2 keep doing our thing, keep enjoying ourselves, & if we get all our players fit we can expect something.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...denial?cc=4716

Mancini expects Tevez exit
December 30, 2011

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has said it was possible Carlos Tevez could leave the club within 10 days if AC Milan accepted they needed 2 buy the Argentina star rather than take him on loan.

"We hope AC Milan 1 2 take him," said Mancini. "It could be close in 1 week or 10 days, but I don't know if it is possible. `We can close tis situation but they cannot take him on loan."

Meanwhile, Mancini has rejected Wayne Bridge's claim he refuses 2 talk 2 the defender & revealed tat the former Chelsea man had no future @ the club as long ago as 2 years ago.

Mancini recently questioned Bridge's motives 4 remaining @ City, hinting tat the player's salary of £90,000 a week salary was the overriding factor.

Bridge denied tis & revealed his discontent @ Mancini's managerial techniques. Now the City boss has hit back 1s more.

"Bridge said I don't speak 2 him. Tat is not true," said Mancini. "I told Wayne 2 years ago tat he was not part of our plans & if he wanted 2 find a good solution he should go somewhere else."

Mancini said he hoped Bridge & fellow defender Nedum Onuoha would leave City during next month's transfer window.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...i-glum?cc=4716

Last-gasp loss leaves Mancini glum
January 1, 2012

ManC manager Roberto Mancini was left "really disappointed" aft his side lost in the final seconds @ Sunderland in a game deemed must-win by the Italian coach.

City went in2 their match @ the Stadium of Light buoyed by ManU's shock home defeat against Blackburn 24 hours earlier which presented them with a chance 2 open up a 3 points advantage @ the top.

However, in 2nd-half stoppage time with the scoreline goalless, Ji Dong-Won, who replays show was offside, struck 2 hand Sunderland a famous win under their new manager Martin O'Neill.

"I'm really disappointed," Mancini told Sky Sports 1. "2nd half we had alot of chances 2 score. We didn't score, but we can't concede a counter-attack like tis.

"We conceded 2, 3 counter-attacks in the last 10 mins which were really dangerous. A strong team can't concede tis game. Sometimes when u can't win - becos it was difficult - u can't lose.

"You need 2 defend those. Sometimes when u attack with 7 players it's enough, becos if not u can concede a counter-attack like we conceded.

"In the 1st half we didn't play very well, 2nd half much better. We had 2 win tis game. Tis moment is a strange situation."

Asked if tat was good enough, Mancini replied: "No, not 4 a top team. In tat situation, we attacked with 8 players & the same players who attack need 2 come back & run quickly.

"I know football & 4 tat reason in the last 15 mins, I continued 2 call [central defenders] Vinny [Vincent Kompany] & [Joleon] Lescott 2 say, 'Stay there, stay there, don't leave the space', becos tat was dangerous.

"We continued 2 attack & sometimes we wanted 2 attack with 10 players. Tis is impossible. But tat's it, it's finished. We hv a game in 48 hours & we need 2 recover now.''

Mancini, who headed down the tunnel b4 the final whistle, admitted his side had been made 2 pay 4 missed chances.

He said: "It's frustrating becos we can't lose a game like 2day's. In the 2nd half, we had I don't know how many chances 2 score.

"But football is tis. Sometimes you can't win. Sometimes you score 3 or 4 goals in a game, sometimes u can't score even if you hv 10 chances 2 score.

"I m disappointed tat we conceded a goal becos a strong team cannot concede a goal like tis.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...o-city?cc=4716

Ferguson: Advantage to Manchester City
January 5, 2012

ManU boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is no need 2 panic aft his side's 3-0 loss 2 Newcastle, but does admit Premier League title rivals ManC r now in the box seat.

Ferguson watched on as United were kept 3 points behind City in the league table, aft Roberto Mancini's side cruised 2 a home victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. However, the Scot is remaining calm despite a 2nd successive league defeat.

"Advantage 2 them [City] of course," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "They played yesterday & got the 3 points, & we played 2day & didn't manage 2 win - so of course they hv the advantage. It's not a time 2 panic - we hv the experience 2 cope with tat.

"Losing a game @ tis time of the year, u don't 1 it, but it sometimes can happen - u hv seen some of the results recently. But obviously, we need 2 get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March & April."

Ferguson also conceded tat Newcastle striker Demba Ba was 2 much of a "handful" 4 his side. Ba got the ball rolling as Alan Pardew's side claimed the victory, punishing Rio Ferdinand 4 some sloppy defending as he volleyed past Anders Lindegaard.

Strike partner Shola Ameobi also played a key role in the build-up 2 the goal - flicking on Tim Krul's deep free-kick - & Ferguson acknowledged aft the game tat the 2 powerful strikers had caused his side huge problems, b4 Yohan Cabaye's free-kick extinguished their hopes of coming away with something.

"They r very strong, big aggressive lads," Ferguson said. "They didn't tear us apart but they were a handful.

"The story of the game was they had 2 fantastic strikes which put them in the driving seat. The 2nd 1 was a killer 4 us, it was a marvellous strike.

"But we didn't make enough of our possession of the ball anyway. It was 1 of those nights."

[sundog]

i didnt notice there is a mancity fan club here

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...rguson?cc=4716

Mancini scoffs at Ferguson taunt
January 7, 2012

Roberto Mancini has laughed off claims by his ManU counterpart SAF tat City r not playing the best football in England.

City r leading the race 4 the Premier League title & will take on 2nd-placed United in a 3rd-round FA Cup tie on Sunday. But ahead of the derby clash, Ferguson suggested it is Tottenham who hv played the best football so far tis season.

"It is difficult 2 say yr neighbour is playing better football," Mancini said. "Tottenham can win the title. They hv done a fantastic season until now & in the next 4 months, I don't know. But, 4 now, we r playing the best football in the Premier League.

"In every city where there r 2 teams, the rivalry is very intense. Rome, Milan, it is strong everywhere.

"In Milan it might be different becos 4 a long time Inter & Milan stayed @ the top. They won European Cups & championships. But, remember, b4 I arrived at Inter, they didn't win for 19 years. 4 Inter tis was very difficult becos Milan won alot of trophies.

"It is the same situation here. It is clear ManC doesn't hv Inter's history but they hv also started 2 build a new team, a strong team & has got 2 the same level as the other 1."

City defeated their rivals in the semi-finals last year en route 2 FA Cup glory, & won 6-1 @ Old Trafford in October, leaving Mancini's men on the brink of a hat-trick of derby victories 4 the 1st time since 1969. Mancini, though, concedes it will take more than just recent triumphs 4 his club 2 match United's famous mental strength.

"If u 1 my opinion, ManU r the best team in England," he said. "Maybe not now becos they hv 6 or 7 important players injured. But they hv a strong team with a strong mentality & they r @ the top.

"We can't be like them in 2 years. They hv had tis mentality for 25 years. We can improve if we continue 2 win, if we win the championship or other cups. We started it last season. But in 2 years it is impossible."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ements?cc=4716

Sir Alex praises Mancini
January 8, 2012

ManU manager SAF has praised his opposite number fr across the city ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie @ Eastlands.

Sir Alex takes his side 2 ManC eager 4 revenge 4 their 6-1 Old Trafford humbling in the Premier League in October. And despite the wounds of tat defeat still being fresh, the United boss was quick 2 concede tat Roberto Mancini has excelled @ City.

"It's right 2 say alot of managers couldn't handle the expectations @ City," Sir Alex said. "He's shown alot of good decision-making in his time there. Most importantly, it looks 2 me tat he's got the strength of character 2 handle big players. I don't think he's afraid of them.

"He's done a great job & I can see him staying there 4 a considerable length of time. I'm sure he's in 1 of the best paid jobs & the salaries they r apparently paying the players r enormous, so he's always going 2 attract the best players. So there's no reason why he should 1 2 leave tat - if they keep on winning.

"There's no reason why u can't get on with other managers becos we hv got the same job. It's a difficult job & I respect managers who commit themselves the way most of the managers in the Premier League do.

"Why we r in it, I couldn't tell u. Maybe it's becos it's the only thing we know - the only thing we 1 2 know. It's tat driven love tat exists betw us all tat makes us 1 2 stay in it."

On the FA Cup itself, he added: "I don't think it's got the same magic as it had when I 1st came down here & that's alot 2 do with the doing away of replays until the tie was decided. You could hv 3 or 4 replays.

"Also, the decision 2 play semi-finals @ Wembley has lessened the Cup's importance & the emphasis on European football & the Premier League, with its television coverage, has changed things."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ny-red?cc=4716

Mancini accuses Roo of influencing ref
January 9, 2012

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has accused ManU striker Wayne Rooney of influencing referee Chris Foy's decision 2 send off Vincent Kompany in their FA Cup 3rd round defeat.

City captain Kompany was given his marching orders aft just 9 mins on Sunday, aft appearing 2 make a 2-footed tackle on United winger Nani. The dismissal proved crucial as United went on 2 claim a 3-2 victory against their opponents - but Mancini believes Rooney played a key role in Foy's crucial decision by making his feelings known.

"It was not a red card - Rooney told him his decision," Mancini said afterwards.

When pushed further, he added: "Yes, he [Rooney] was near the referee. It was not a red card. It's impossible, but I don't 1 2 talk abt the referee becos I 1 2 stay on the bench 4 the next game."

Rooney later dismissed the accusation, however, posting on Twitter: "Funny how people think I got Kompany sent off. Im not ref. i didnt give red card. But it was a clear red card. 2 footed tackle."

The Italian confirmed the club will appeal against Kompany's red, which will otherwise see the Belgian miss 4 games having already been sent off 1s tis season. Mancini is confident of a successful appeal, despite similar cases - most recently Nenad Milijas' red card against Arsenal - seeing the referee's initial decision upheld by the FA.

"We will do an appeal & I m sure tat we will win," he said. "There is no way Vincent shouldn't play against Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

"It was 300% not a sending off."

Despite losing the game @ Etihad Stadium, Mancini revealed his belief tat the manner of his side's performance aft they went down with 10 men will stand them in good stead over the remainder of the Premier League season, believing the league leaders hv gained a psychological edge over the side 3 points behind them.

''Tis evening is important 4 the league," the former Inter Milan boss noted. ''Now I think we can win the league becos of the character we showed. United is a top squad in England.

"At Old Trafford, with 10 men for 40 mins, they lost 6-1 [in the league]. Today we played for 80 mins with 10 players, scored 2 goals & didn't concede any chances. It was a fantastic performance.

"If we hv the same attitude & same strength every game, we will win the league."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=334332&cc=4716

Reds overcome sorry City

ManC slumped 2 their 2nd home defeat in 4 days as Steven Gerrard's early penalty moved Liverpool 2 within 90 mins of their 1st Wembley appearance since 1996.

Lacking key men, including skipper Vincent Kompany who sat forlornly in the stands as he began a 4-match ban, & drained by the energy exerted @ having 2 play for 78 mins with 10 men against ManU @ the weekend, City were a shadow of their usual selves.

It represented the 1st time they had lost back-2-back games @ the Etihad Stadium since February 2008, b4 Sheikh Mansour began his billion pound quest 2 conquer the English game.

The only consolation came fr knowing they could still reach a Carling Cup final against either Crystal Palace or Cardiff if they can reverse tis result in the 2nd leg @ Anfield in a fortnight.

Little wonder Roberto Mancini was so keen 2 fight Kompany's suspension.

With Kolo Toure on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast, it forced the City boss 2 pitch Stefan Savic in2 the biggest game of his fledgling Blues career.

The Montenegrin was only 21 last week & has started just 1 Barclays Premier League game 4 City since joining fr Partizan Belgrade in the summer.

It soon became clear he was in 4 a difficult evening.

Tat Andy Carroll was able 2 spin away fr him & race on2 Stewart Downing's thru-ball said everything given the wretched time the Liverpool striker has had in his 12 months on Merseyside.

Returning keeper Joe Hart was equal 2 the shot, just as he was when Gerrard went 4 the far corner a couple of mins later & Downing had an effort deflected 2wards the same area of his goal.

Savic had another trick up his sleeve though as Daniel Agger forced his way into the box fr the corner. The youngster panicked, attempted 2 clear when he was nowhere near favourite 2 reach the ball & Agger bit the dust.

Referee Lee Mason awarded the spot-kick & Gerrard drove it past England team-mate Hart 2 put the visitors ahead.

Tat all this occurred inside the opening 11 mins emphasised the difficulties City were having, & no 1 epitomised them more than Mario Balotelli.

An injury doubt beforehand, the combustible Italian reacted in anger when Charlie Adam bundled him over, then tapped him on the head as he ran away fr the scene.

Balotelli belted the subsequent free-kick in2 the wall & then hobbled away 4 no discernable reason.

Aft a few more mins of relative inactivity, during which he let a straightforward pass roll out 4 a throw-in & gave a free-kick as he tried 2 make amends, Mancini decided he had seen enough.

Balotelli headed straight 4 the tunnel, bringing an end 2 another bizarre chapter in his career.

It was not until the last moments of the half tat City finally roused themselves, only 4 Samir Nasri 2 be denied by Pepe Reina & James Milner 2 fire Micah Richards' cut-back over.

On Sunday, City responded magnificently 2 a far worse half-time scoreline & almost secured a result tat would stand alongside any in tis stellar season.

But they needed the kind of lift Aleksandar Kolarov gave them against United with tat magnificent free-kick.

Tis time around, they just encounter frustration as Reina stayed on his feet long enough 2 prevent Aguero getting a shot on target aft the South American had spotted Martin Kelly about 2 play a blind backpass.

Unusually poor in a heavy defeat on the same ground 8 days ago, Reina was also in the right place 2 deny Richards' close-range header aft the stand-in City skipper had met Nasri's corner.

The disappointment was tat instead of going 4 the jugular, against opponents so lacking in verve compared 2 their thrill-a-minute efforts earlier in the season, Liverpool grew increasingly more negative.

By the time Jamie Carragher replaced Craig Bellamy 11 mins fr time 2 take up a midfield holding role, the visitors had 6 orthodox defenders on the field.

Little wonder City failed 2 make a chance of note as they continued 2 run in2 a red brick wall in wat time remained.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-spurs?cc=4716

Redknapp staggered by Ade wages
January 14, 2012

Harry Redknapp has warned Emmanuel Adebayor he will hv 2 accept a massive pay cut if he 1s 2 stay @ Tottenham.

Adebayor has enjoyed a successful loan spell @ White Hart Lane, scoring 9 goals since his arrival in September, 2 help Spurs move up 2 3rd in the Premier League.

The former Arsenal striker, who spent 6 months on loan @ Real Madrid last season aft he was frozen out of the ManC team, is keen 2 make his move 2 Tottenham permanent, but Redknapp has warned the striker him he will hv 2 take a pay cut.

"He has done well 4 us. He has worked hard but he is on amazing money," Redknapp said.

"The other week, 1 of the lads told him tat he had not paid his £50 fine 4 being the worst player in training on a Friday morning. 1 of the lads said 2 him: 'Bloody hell, Ade, you are on 200 grand a week & u can't afford 2 pay a £50 fine!' He replied: 'Don't insult me, it's 225!'." Redknapp added: "He certainly isn't getting tat here."

With Tottenham's top earners thought 2 earn around £70,000 a week, Redknapp admits Spurs cannot afford 2 match City's spending power & faces a battle 2 keep hold of star names such as Luka Modric & Gareth Bale.

"Players play 4 a club & they enjoy being there, but if some1 comes along & offers them a contract tat could blow their current 1 out of the water, then you've got a problem," he said.

"I'd be talking rubbish if I said people wanted 2 stay @ Tottenham just becos we're playing good football. I'd be dreaming. If u 1 2 keep the best players, we hv 2 find a way of doing a deal that's near 2 what they can earn elsewhere, otherwise it will be a problem.

"If you're a top player & some1 1s 2 give u a fantastic contract, it's very hard 2 hang on 2 them."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...z-hint?cc=4716

PSG's Ancelotti drops Tevez hint
January 15, 2012

PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti has done little 2 quell speculation tat the Ligue 1 side r lining up a bid 4 Carlos Tevez, claiming the ManC striker is "a player I really like".

Tevez, 27, was on the brink of joining AC Milan tis week but a move broke down aft Rossoneri 4ward Alexandre Pato decided 2 stay @ the San Siro.

Pato had been the subject of a bid fr PSG, with Ancelotti keen 2 bring his former player 2 the Parc des Princes. But aft missing out on the Brazilian, the Parisiens boss now appears 2 hv turned his attention 2 Tevez.

"Tevez is a player I really like, he is fantastic," Ancelotti said. "If we 1 2 play @ a high level, we must act well in the market, looking 4 players who can give us a hand."

PSG r thought 2 be willing 2 meet City's £25 million askng price 4 the wantaway Argentinian, who has not played a game 4 the club since refusing 2 warm-up during a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in October.

Inter Milan & Corinthians r also still interested in acquiring Tevez, while his representative Kia Joorabchian has claimed tat Milan may still re-enter negotiations, despite their official statements 2 the contrary.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...z-deal?cc=4716

Mancini wants 'very quick' Tevez deal
January 20, 2012

ManC boss Roberto Mancini hopes the drawn-out transfer saga over Carlos Tevez is resolved "very quickly'' as it is "impossible" 4 the rebel striker 2 return 2 Eastlands.

Tevez, who is currently AWOL in Argentina, has been linked with a move 2 AC Milan, Inter Milan & PSG during the January transfer window but despite ongoing negotiations with his agent Kia Joorabchian, no deal has yet been struck.

Serie A leaders Milan recently withdrew fr transfer talks with City as the Premier League club r demanding a sizeable transfer fee & with the options dwindling, Mancini is desperate 4 a deal 2 be done.

Mancini said: "I hope tis will finish very quickly. I don't know [the latest]. I think he has talked with PSG & Inter, but not Milan. I hope 4 him everything can finish very quickly.''

The Italian, speaking @ a press conference 2 preview Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham, said there was no way Tevez could return 2 City.

"Tis is impossible. Carlos doesn't 1 2 stay," he said. "It is important 4 him 2 start 2 play becos he is a football player. It is now 3 months tat he hasn't played & tis is not good 4 him.''

Meanwhile, City defender Nedum Onuoha is edging closer 2 a possible move 2 QPR.

The 25-year-old academy graduate appeared as a substitute in the Premier League leaders' win @ Wigan on Monday but has otherwise struggled 4 opportunities since returning fr a loan @ Sunderland.

Mancini said: "I don't know [the latest]. They were talking yesterday. Maybe 2day or 2morrow, it is possible.

"Nedum deserves 2 play. He is a good guy & if he stays here he will maybe play 1 or 2 games. Tat is not enough 4 a young player.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...s-time?cc=4716

Johnson: Spurs hammering a one off
January 19, 2012

ManC winger Adam Johnson does not believe there is any chance of his team repeating their 5-goal "humiliation'' of a resurgent Tottenham in Sunday's Premier League clash.

Spurs were walloped 3-0 by ManU & 5-1 by City in their 1st 2 league games of the season but hv since gone on a run tat has seen Harry Redknapp's side tipped 4 the title.

And, whilst Johnson is determined Premier League leaders City should maintain their perfect home record, the former Middlesbrough man accepts it will be much tougher against Tottenham tis time around.

"Tat was a 1-off,'' he said. "We humiliated them with some of the football we played. I don't think many teams would hv got close 2 us. The passing & movement was staggering.

"But the fact is they hv some top players, a squad packed with quality, & r playing much differently now.''

Still, Johnson feels there is an anxiety in the Spurs camp abt their true chances of overhauling City. Aft all, Rafael van der Vaart wouldn't hv started 2 question the Blues credentials if he felt they were no good.

"It shows we must be doing something right if people r talking abt us all the time,'' said Johnson. "If people weren't worried they would talk abt themselves, so 2 find time 2 talk abt us might show we r @ the back of their minds.''

Aft opening up a 3-point lead on ManU & a 5-point advantage over Spurs, not finishing the season as a champion would be pretty hard 4 Johnson 2 digest.

"I would be devastated if we didn't win it,'' he said. "Most of lads r not thinking abt it but we r 3 points clear, so fr tis position, it would be devastating not 2 do it.''

Yet Johnson knows tat City r not the neutrals' choice 4 a new name on the trophy.

"Maybe becos we hv spent so much $, ppl think we r trying 2 buy the title,'' he said.

"Tottenham r the team who hv nothing 2 lose & all the pressure is on United & City.

"But the pressure is on whoever is up there 2 sustain it. If Tottenham do tat, there will be massive pressure on them. In the last 4 or 5 games, when things r still tight, tat is when we can see who will hold their nerve.''

Confirmation City hv accepted a bid fr QPR 4 defender Nedum Onuoha & tat Carlos Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian has opened preliminary discussions with PSG indicate a reshaped Blues squad will be heading out of the transfer window.

Indeed, a double departure may offer manager Roberto Mancini the funds he 1s 2 bolster his midfield, even if the chances of landing number 1 target Daniele de Rossi fr Roma appear 2 be receding.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...report?cc=4716

Tevez's PSG talks break down - report
January 21, 2012

Carlos Tevez's proposed move fr ManC 2 PSG is reportedly off aft talks over personal terms broke down.

PSG appeared fav 2 sign Tevez, 27, aft the 4ward's agent, Kia Joorabchian, travelled 2 the French capital 2 hold discussions over a potential switch.

However, reports suggest the 2 parties were unable 2 come 2 an agreement, meaning Tevez's search 4 a new club remains unresolved.

PSG football director Leonardo is quoted as saying in The Sun: "We didn't get a deal with Tevez, maybe we never will."

Serie A giants Inter Milan seem 2 be Tevez's only remaining suitors, aft AC Milan recently pulled out of talks, although it remains 2 be seen if the Nerazzurri will match City's mooted asking price of £25 million.

The AWOL Tevez has not played 4 City since September following his infamous bust-up with Roberto Mancini, with the Argentine since returning 2 his homeland & his future @ Eastlands confirmed as over by his manager.

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/foot...1--soccer.html

Football: Super Mario sinks Spurs as City go clear

Mario Balotelli struck a dramatic injury-time penalty as ManC overcame a brave Tottenham fightback 2 win 3-2 & take a 6-point lead @ the top of the Premier League on Sunday.

Substitute Balotelli blasted in his spot-kick deep in2 injury time aft the Italian striker had been bundled over by Ledley King 4 a clear-cut penalty.

But the City 4ward's winner was tinged with controversy aft television replays suggested he was lucky not 2 be sent off in an earlier tangle with Scott Parker where he appeared 2 stamp on the Spurs midfielder's head.

The finale capped a remarkable game which had seen Spurs recover fr 2-0 down 2 level at 2-2 with goals fr Jermain Defoe & Gareth Bale aft City had taken the lead thru Samir Nasri & Joleon Lescott.

Spurs' agony was compounded by a chance missed by Defoe moments b4 City's winner which might hv given them a 3-2 lead, the striker just failing 2 tuck away a low cross fr Bale.

The result saw City take a 6-point lead @ the top of the table although 2nd-placed ManU can reduce the deficit if they win @ Arsenal in Sunday's late match.

Assistant City manager David Platt hailed Balotelli's composure in striking the winning penalty but declined 2 comment on the player's earlier flashpoint involving Parker.

"Mario has got tat ability 2 put a penalty like tat away," Platt said. "With penalties he's got full confidence in himself, he looks @ the keeper & tries 2 make the keeper make a mistake.

"I haven't seen the incident with Balotelli so I can't comment on it until I see it. If we continue 2 amass points & carry on winning we'll be tough 2 beat, but it doesn't change anything in terms of the title race."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was fuming following the incident however.

"Balotelli has kicked Scott Parker in the head purposely. He's back-heeled him in the head," Redknapp said. "I don't know why u would do tat on a football pitch. It's there 4 everybody 2 see."

Aft a scrappy 1st half where neither side managed 2 get a grip on the game, the contest exploded into life shortly aft the restart with 4 goals inside 9 mins.

City drew 1st blood with a wonderfully worked opener on 56 mins, David Silva releasing Nasri with a perfectly weighted thru ball which took the French international beyond the Spurs defence.

The former Arsenal star ghosted away fr Kyle Walker & Younes Kaboul & unleashed an unstoppable 1st-time shot tat flew past Brad Friedel.

City looked 2 hv taken a stranglehold on the match within 3 mins when Lescott made it 2-0.

Edin Dzeko rose 2 flick on fr a corner & Lescott was on hand 2 bundle the ball home aft outmuscling Scott Parker near the goal-line.

But City's goal celebrations had barely subsided b4 Tottenham were handed a way back into the game aft a mistake by Stefan Savic.

A hopeful clearance forward fr Kaboul was headed back 2wards the City goal by the Montenegrin defender but fell only as far as Defoe, who coolly rounded Joe Hart b4 stroking home 2 make it 2-1.

5 mins later & Spurs were level. Aaron Lennon glided in off the left flank & laid off 2 Bale on the edge of the area, who unleashed a curling shot in2 the top corner beyond Hart.