Bolton Wanderers 3-3 Manchester City

Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City were involved in a thrilling draw at the Reebok Stadium.


Carlos Tevez came to ten-man Manchester City's rescue at the Reebok Stadium by securing a point with 13 minutes remaining of a rousing encounter.

It was his second goal of the match and his eighth of the season after Craig Bellamy had been sent off for two yellow cards.


Tevez is now on a roll but the disappointing fact for City was that they failed to build on the splendid victory against Chelsea last weekend.

This was their eighth draw in nine league matches - yet it could have been a lot worse.

Bolton belied their lowly league status with a fine performance and Ivan Klasnic also scored a brace. There was also a superb individual effort from Gary Cahill to savour.

Tevez's two goals sandwiched a Micah Richards strike.

Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

Manchester City recorded a dramatic victory over Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.


There appeared little hint of the drama to come when Emmanuel Adebayor's own goal gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead.

But Adebayor levelled before the break and Carlos Tevez netted what proved to be the winner 11 minutes later.


Shay Given saved a Frank Lampard penalty eight minutes from time as Chelsea's lead at the top was cut to two points.

Manchester C. 3 - 0 Arsenal

Second-half goals from Carlos Tevez, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Vladimir Weiss steered Manchester City into their first domestic cup semi-final since 1981 after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Arsenal.

Mark Hughes' side were then drawn against neighbours Manchester United in a mouthwatering semi-final.


Against a Gunners side trying to bounce back from Sunday's hammering by Chelsea, City got their noses in front thanks to Carlos Tevez, who picked up a winners' medal in last year's competition with United.

Wright-Phillips added a second with a fierce drive from the edge of the area 20 minutes from time and Vladimir Weiss also scored at the death to keep City on course to end a trophy drought which extends back to their win in this competition 33 years ago.

De Jong at a loss to explain Man City form slide

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong cannot explain their form slide.

The pressure is starting to mount on manager Mark Hughes after a record-breaking seventh successive draw in the Barclays Premier League, at home to Hull on Saturday.

"We have to sort it out," said the former Ajax and Hamburg man.

"We are frustrated at the way we played (against Hull), and the way we have played in the last couple of weeks at home.

"We have to dominate teams here, and that didn't happen. It was the seventh draw, so we don't get any closer to the top four.

"I would love to give you a reason (why City are drawing so many games) - if I could give you the reason, we would win all of our games.

"Maybe there is a lack of confidence in some situations. We try to keep our confidence high, especially when we play at home."

Manchester City 1-1 Hull City

Hull City fought back to earn a draw against Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League.


Jimmy Bullard drove home an 81st minute penalty to condemn Manchester City to a seventh successive draw at Eastlands.

Shaun Wright-Phillips' first half effort seemed to have secured victory for the hosts to end their unhappy streak.


But a spot-kick provided the perfect opportunity for Bullard to strike. And he did not let his team down.

Man City boss Hughes warns Tevez of future supersub role

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has hinted he sees Carlos Tevez as a supersub.

After another draw at Liverpool, Hughes has his hands full trying to keep everyone happy, from owners who want a return on their investment to players who struggle with the concept of squad utilisation.

Six straight draws suggest the first part could be going better, while saluting Tevez’s qualities as a substitute will do little for the second.

It wasn’t what the 25-year-old had in mind when he moved, but he may have to get used to it after going on in the second half and sparking a revival that almost left Rafa Benitez having to explain a sixth Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

"Carlos has had a bit of a problem with his knee, but not starting him was a tactical thing," declared Hughes. "You are not going to go gung-ho at Anfield because the likelihood is you will concede goals.

"Once we went behind it was time to introduce him. It was always my intention to bring him on at some point, because of the impact he can have from the bench. He got us into a winning position which we didn’t see through.

"He won’t play every game, as a lot of others won’t, because we have a good squad. It has been frustrating for him."

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Liverpool and Manchester City battled out a 2-2 draw at Anfield in Saturday's first match.


Substitute Yossi Benayoun saved a point for Liverpool in a tense Barclays Premier League match at Anfield.

Manchester City had been ahead deep into the second period before Benayoun's close-range intervention.

Liverpool took the lead when Martin Skrtel converted Steven Gerrard's free-kick early in the second half. Emmanuel Adebayor's header and Stephen Ireland's clever close-range flick put City ahead before Benayoun forced home the equaliser.

Man City made check on Portugal U21 pair Carrico, Faria

Manchester City had scouts at Wembley to make a check on Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico.

Carrico skippered Portugal U21 in their 1-0 defeat to England on Saturday.

His assured displays at the heart of the Sporting rearguard have caught the attention of Eastlands boss Mark Hughes. Carrico's current contract does not expire until July 2013 - but the right-footed defender does have an £18.4m release clause.

City are also keen on Rio Ave fullback Fabio Faria, who also featured on Saturday.

Real Madrid star Kaka has no Man City regrets

Real Madrid star Kaka has no regrets turning down Manchester City last January.

The Times says Robinho seemed to smile particularly widely when Kaká, sitting next to him, was asked if he had any regrets about not joining City when he had the chance in January.

“No, I’m perfectly happy at Real Madrid,” Kaká said.

Robinho, too, was asked about his future, given his apparent agitation for a move to Barcelona. An agent claiming to represent the player has been quoted saying that he did not want to stay at City but Robinho side-stepped the row.

“My father is the only one who represents me and he has never given an interview,” he said.

More media pressure for Man City after Tevez revelation

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been handed a new media headache through Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's admission yesterday that he may quit after the 2010 World Cup is sure to bring more media pressure on Eastlands.

The Times says with City already having to contend with intense speculation about the future of another high-profile South American, Robinho, the Brazil forward, the last thing they will want now are questions about how long Tevez will be at the club.

It certainly represents another unwelcome distraction for Hughes, the manager, who was returning with the squad today from Abu Dhabi, where they have spent the week on a winter training camp, and raises questions about the club’s ability to keep their big names happy.

Manchester City 3-3 Burnley

Burnley scored late to earn a spectacular 3-3 draw at Manchester City.


Kevin McDonald tapped home an 87th-minute equaliser to give Burnley a share of the spoils at Manchester City.

After establishing a two-goal lead through Graham Alexander and Steven Fletcher, it seemed the Clarets were slumping to yet another away defeat when City roared into the lead thanks to Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kolo Toure and Craig Bellamy.


But when Fletcher's nod-back fell kindly for McDonald, he wasted no time in delivering the visitors' first away point since their top flight return, and extending City's sequence to five successive Barclays Premier League draws.

Burnley skipper Caldwell insists they can rattle Man City

Burnley captain Steven Caldwell insists they won't lie down at Manchester City this weekend.

Centre half Caldwell accepts their quest for their first away point, or points, does not get any easier this weekend, but as he pushes for a place in George Burley’s Scotland squad for their friendly with Wales, he insists their confidence hasn’t been knocked by their away disappointments.

“They are all difficult games in this league and Manchester City certainly isn’t an easy place to go and try to pick up our first points.

"The task is hard but one that we’ll relish and try to play to our strengths,” said the Burnley skipper to the Lancashire Telegraph.

“We know their qualities and if they play up to them it will be extremely difficult for us to win, but as we’ve seen on Sunday (when City drew 0-0 at Birmingham) there is a possibility we can get a result.

“Birmingham, on the whole, probably deserved to win. Shay (Given) was tremendous and Fad (James McFadden) missed a penalty.

“But as Manchester City have proved this season, especially at home, they’ve got top quality players who can hurt you at any minute.”

Man City boss Hughes can see UAE friendly being annual event

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is happy to be taking his squad to Abu Dhabi for their friendly with the UAE.

Hughes believes the game may become an annual fixture, if the international calendar allows.

"It's an opportunity for us to take a team to our home from home," said Hughes, whose coaching team will also be staging clinics and whose players will be getting out to meet the people who live in the city.

"We are looking forward to it - with it being international week we will be taking a development squad of the younger players, of whom we are very proud.

"We have a production line from the academy, and want to take the best players to give them experience of playing abroad, so it will be a good exercise.

"We also want to enjoy the kind of welcome which we have always had when we go to Abu Dhabi."

Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City

Honours were even at St Andrew's as Birmingham City and Manchester City played out a goalless draw.


James McFadden saw his second-half penalty saved by Shay Given as Birmingham were forced to settle for a point against Manchester City on Sunday.

City were indebted to their keeper not only for his spot-kick heroics but also a string of other superb saves to deny McFadden, Lee Bowyer and Christian Benitez as the big-spending Eastlands outfit struggled to find their best form.


Birmingham's Barry Ferguson was sent off when he collected a second booking deep into injury time.

An in-depth match report will be available shortly.

Tardelli chasing Man City move

Diego Tardelli hopes to catch the eye of Manchester City manager Mark Hughes.

The Daily Mail says the Atletico Mineiro striker has been a regular in Dunga's squads since making his international debut in August.

But the Brazil boss has left out all home-based players for the friendlies against England in Doha on November 14 and against Oman three days later.

"I am happy to stay behind with Atletico and I'm sure that if I work, I can get in the (Brazil) squad again," he said. "I want to go to the finals, but we knew that players based in Brazil would not be called up for these friendlies."

The date with England would have been a chance for Tardelli to test himself against players who he may soon be coming up against in the Barclays Premier League.

City have scouted the joint top scorer in the Brazilian league, who has scored 15 in 25 matches this season, and he has been linked with a winter move to Eastlands.

News in Brief manchester city

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Mark Hughes expects to see injured forward Robinho back in action next week. The Brazilian has been sidelined for over two months with a stress fracture of his ankle. During this spell Robinho has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona but Hughes is relaxed about the situation. Hughes said: "The only problem is that he is not fit and I cannot play him. That will resolve itself, we hope, in the next week or so. It is about him getting back playing and enjoying his football again. And that takes away any other focus on Robi."

Stuart Pearce believes Manchester City's Michael Johnson has an excellent future ahead of him.

The 21-year-old scored for City in their 5-1 Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe United on Wednesday night.

It was his first goal since returning after more than a year out with an abdominal problem last month.

And Pearce, who gave Johnson his debut as City manager in 2006, reckons the midfielder can get back to his best.

The England Under-21 coach said: "He's an outstanding player and it's fantastic to see him back.

"Psychologially, just for him to be in the first team again will be a big lift.

"I know he has the ability to go a long, long way in the game and the sky's the limit for him.

"If he gets back to the level that I know he's capable of and he is getting in City's first team, then he'll certainly be in my Under-21s squad."

Spurs, Man City linked with Benfica star Cardozo

Benfica are battling to keep hold of star striker Oscar Cardozo.

O Jogo says a raft of Premiership clubs are chasing Cardozo for the January market, but Benfica insist they will not sell before the end of this season.

Blackburn, Tottenham, Manchester City and Newcastle are in the running for Cardozo, who is rated at £8 million by his Portuguese club.

Man City chasing Brazil top scorer Tardelli

Manchester City are watching Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli.

Brazilian sources say Tardelli, 24, is being tracked by City leading up to the January market.

The Daily Mail says there is talk of a move to St Etienne in France but, recently, Manchester City have been linked with him.

Tardelli, who struggled at PSV Eindhoven and Real Betis, is now equal top scorer in Brazil on 15 goals with Flamego ace Adriano.

Man City boss Hughes warns top four: Theres's many of us ready to replace you

Despite being held 1-1 by Wigan Athletic, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is convinced they are a genuine top four contender.

Although City were not able to capitalise on defeats by Chelsea and Liverpool when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan, it is already clear the cash-rich Blues will mount a sustained assault on the Premier League's established elite.

Third-placed Tottenham are also riding high, while Aston Villa will hope to maintain a challenge as well having got themselves into a great position last term, only to throw it away in a dismal final 10 games.

Such a disastrous finale is unlikely to happen again, which Hughes senses has led to a twitchiness amongst the high and mighty, which just makes them even more vulnerable.

"There are some good teams in the Premier League this year," said Hughes.

"There is a focus on ourselves because we have the ambition to have a good season. But the fact there is a threat to the teams who have had those top four places is adding extra pressure.

"You just sense maybe that feeling of invincibility is no longer there. Other teams think they can take points off them."

He added: "There are two or three teams who quietly think they can get into the top four.

"They don't broadcast it so they keep themselves under the radar. We can't help but be one of the teams people think should be in the top four. We have to deal with that anyway. I just think this year has the potential to be as open as it has ever been because the top four teams will drop points.

"That has been evident at the beginning of the season and I think it will continue. It is good for the Premier League."

Micah Richards has told City fans he is a fighter not a quitter.

The Blues and England defender is ready to battle his way back into the side after losing his place through injury to Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta.

And Micah dismissed as ‘total nonsense’ reports in the Sunday papers that he wants out.

“For them to suggest that I want to leave City is absolutely ridiculous. I have three and a half years left on my contract and when you look at the way this club is going who in their right mind would want to leave,” he told mcfc.co.uk in an exclusive interview.

“I am 21-years of age and people seem to forget that I am still learning my trade. I am just enjoying the ride. There is perhaps the impression out there that I am bit older than people think but I know I am not the finished product.


There will be seven people sat on it who all think they deserve to be in the starting line up - most of whom will be internationals - and that is great for the club and great for us as individuals because the way you improve is by training with and playing with better players.

“Obviously everyone wants to be playing, that is our profession, but by the same token when people are in the team and doing well the manager can’t just drop them. That would be totally unfair.

“Look at Stephen Ireland and how he played last season and at the start of this one. He hardly puts a foot wrong, gets an injury, the team does well and suddenly he has to sit on the bench too.

“That’s how far we have come as a group in the last few months and everyone has to be treated equally.”

Richards could yet get the chance to re-establish himself at the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon should Pablo Zabaleta fail to pass the doctor after limping out of World Cup action with a tweaked hamstring.

But even if he doesn’t make an immediate return the England under 21captain is ready to be patient.

“Pablo is a class player and has come into the side and done well,” he said.

“It is all about fighting hard in training and waiting for another chance in the side and when that chance arrives then taking it and holding on to that precious shirt.”

Man City boss Hughes confirms he can spend big in January

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed he can spend big in January on the right player.

Hughes met chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with executive chairman Garry Cook.

He said: "As soon as one window closes, you begin planning for the next one, but I am quite happy with the attacking players I have.

"And I won't be bringing players in just to provide cover. It would be the wrong strategy to bring in players because of a short-term weakness.

"But if a good player is available and we think he would improve the squad on a longer basis, then we will look to do it."

Robinho admits to the lure of Barcelona

Robinho, whilst admitting admiration for the playing style of Barcelona, had had no contact with the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian only signed for Manchester City last year for £32million from Real Madrid but his brief stay at Eastlands has been blighted by constant rumours linking him with a move away from the club.

"Of course I would like to play for Barca. Who would not? We could have so much fun," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"It would be a pleasure to play alongside (Lionel) Messi, my compatriot Dani Alves, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, with all of them.

"They're a great team. I played against them and know their quality. But right now I can only do it on the PlayStation.

"It is a pleasure to watch Barca play. They look like the best Brazilian team with the way that they use the ball. Pep Guardiola's team is truly spectacular."

"It is an honour that a coach like him (Guardiola) speaks well of Robinho and values me as much as I have read he does. It fills my heart with pride," he added.

"But now is not a question of whether there is a loan move or I sign in the winter market or in the summer.

"It is a question of sitting down and talking when there is a serious and concrete proposal and as I have said before I have not personally received that.

"Now would not be the right time to say things that could be badly interpreted here or there.

"I have a contract with City and being the professional that I am, I am dedicated to them."

Barcelona move for Man City's Robinho a nightmare for Florentino

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is confident Barcelona will fail to prise Robinho away from Manchester City.

It was Perez who brought Robinho to Real from Santos and he enjoys a good relationship with the Brazilian winger. Despite his struggles in Europe, Perez has always maintained to confidants that Robinho would fulfill his potential.

Sport says his worst nightmare would be to see Robinho do just that - as a Barca player.

The Real president is in contact with City and Robinho representatives and has told his allies he is confident the Brazilian will stay. Perez is convinced Sheikh Mansour will make a personal plea to both the player and City boss Mark Hughes to make the situation work.

Given: Man City can beat anyone in league

Shay Given says Manchester City have enough quality to beat anyone in the Premiership.

The Irish goalkeeper says he is still amazed by the talent he sees in the dressing room.

He told BBC Sport: “It makes you feel great. You go out on the Saturday or Sunday or Monday, whenever the game is and you feel you have a realistic chance of winning the game.

"It doesn’t matter who you are playing. We’ve got a really strong squad of players, some of the best players from around the world and playing with guys like that can only enhance your game and enhance you as a player.

"It’s a great feeling to be honest, some of the players in there are really top drawer and it’s great to be a part of such a strong team and hopefully a successful team. We want to win trophies and all the players in that changing room are very hungry to do that so hopefully we can do that sooner rather than later.”

Man City plan to trump Man Utd for £20M Maicon

Manchester City are ready to make a £20 million offer for Inter Milan fullback Douglas Maicon.

The Sun says the January move is designed to blow rivals Manchester United's interest out of the water.

Boss Mark Hughes has up to £100m to spend when the transfer window reopens, but feels his team now needs only a little fine tuning.

And Inter Milan's Maicon is on the hit-list, as Hughes eyes the minimum of a Champions League slot next season.

Maicon, 28, is rated one of the world's best full-backs and has started all but three of Brazil's 17 World Cup qualifiers.

His agent, Antonio Caliendo, revealed United were big admirers and that did not go unnoticed by City, who will be happy to meet the player's £90,000-a-week pay demand.

Benfica star Ramires in Man City sights

The Sun says City hope to land Brazil international Ramires for £25m next summer if they fail with a £65m British record swoop for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Boss Mark Hughes has up to £100m to spend when the transfer window reopens, but feels his team now needs only a little fine tuning.

Man City boss Hughes serious about £65M Ribery

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is determined to push through plans to land Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

The Sun says Hughes has up to £100m to spend when the transfer window reopens, but feels his team now needs only a little fine tuning.

Hughes has plans to sign Ribery with a £65m British record swoop

Bayern Munich fullback Lahm in Man City sights

Bayern Munich fullback Philipp Lahm is in Manchester City sights.

The People says should Micah Richards ask away from City in January, manager Mark Hughes will move for Germany international Lahm.

For the first time there is a willingness from the club to trade Richards at the right price enabling Hughes to make a major play for 25-year-old German international Lahm.