Roque Santa Cruz's double

Manchester City 4
Santa Cruz(4,69), Tevez(12,pen), Bellamy(35)

Sunderland 3
Mensah(16), Henderson(24), Jones(62)



MANCHESTER CITY came out on top in a seven-goal thriller with Sunderland for what seems certain to be the epitaph to Mark Hughes' time in charge. Roque Santa Cruz scored twice for the host, with Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy also on target.

But Hughes now looks set to be sacked, paving the way for Roberto Mancini to revive the fortunes of a club who have spent $398million on new players since their Abu Dhabi owners took control 18 months ago. City could not have made a better start as Tevez delayed his pass to Bellamy just long enough to send the Welshman racing into the box.

INNOCUOUS

Bellamy quickly squared to Santa Cruz, who gleefully tapped in from close range, at a stroke justifying the decision to axe Robinho and Emmanuel Adebayor. And there was even better to follow after 11 minutes when Bellamy galloped into a very similiar position, checked inside and was bundled over by Nyron Nosworthy.

It was an innocuous challenge but a foul nonetheless and referee Andre Marriner immediately pointed to the spot. Tevez had to wait an interminable length of time before he could take the spot-kick as George McCartney got into a tugging match with Santa Cruz. But the Argentina International kept his cool and drilled home the second.

However, City being the club they are, there was a self-inflicted blow to come. Micah Richards had just tumbled to the ground clutching an injury that required extensive treatment when Andy reid curled over a cross from the right. Kolo Toure completely lost John Mensah, who rose unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard area and steered his header into the far corner. Although he tried, it soon became apparent Richards could not continue so Zabaleta was introduced. It was not long before the Argentina star conceded a corner which almost resuted in a Sunderland equaliser as Jordan Henderson found himself on his own at the far post and turned an effort towards goal that Shay Given did brilliantly to keep out.

Again Henderson caused problems and after some shoddy defending, in which Kolo Toure completely missed the ball as he was attempting to clear, the Sunderland man drove home the equaliser.

EXPERTLY

The next time City pushed forward, they regained the lead as Zabaleta found Shaun Wright-Phillips with a quickly taken throw-in. Santa Cruz allowed Wright-Phillips' low cross to run on to Bellamy, who expertly curled a shot into the far corner. Bellamy played a one-two with Barry and hared off down the left wing before crossing for Tevez, whose shot brought an excellent save our of Marton Fulop. He was the man who made the clearance as Reid again caused the City defence some anxiety with a curling free-kick into the box. It was not long before City's defensive frailities came to the fore again as Henderson charged into the box, completely unmarked to collect Nosworthy's pass. Kenwyne Jones got in front of Kompany at the near post and turn Henderson's cross home from close range. But City were not finished. And when Zabaleta cross to the far post, the visitors were appealing in vain for offside as Barry squared for Santa Cruz to tap the Blues in front for a third time.

Nosworthy was booked for an awful challenge on Kompany and Henderson got sent off in stoppage time for an elbow on Barry.

Manchester City Vs Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers 3
(Ivan Klasnic 11, Gary Cahill 43, Ivan Klasnic 53)

Manchester City 3
(Tevez 28, Micah Richards 45, Tevez 77)




Tevez double rescues point


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 game 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 fail to build on the splendid victory against Chelsea last weekend.

It was their eight draw in nine league games- yet it could have been worse. The match took a dramtic turn in the 77th minute when ten-man City again pegged back Bolton's lead. Ireland won the ball 20 yards out and released Tevez, who fired a shot into the corner for his Second goal of the game. Subsitute Robinho then went close for City in the 88th minute, his effort going the wrong side of Jaaskelainen's post as a thrilling match finished all squared.



More Epl Results:Chelsea 3- Everton 3,Stoke 2- Wigan 2,Totthenam 0- Wolves 1,Man Utd 0- Aston Villa 1, Birmingham 1- West Ham 0, Burnley 1-Fulham 1, Hull City 0- Blackburn 0, Sunderland 1- Portsmouth 1

Man City Vs Hull City

28/11/09-11pm(SG Time)Epl Match:Hull city will face Man City at the eastlands tonight.Man City having drawn their last 6 games will be hoping to knack a win and 3 points from this game.Hull city away form is horrible having conceded 17 goals and scoring 4.But their confidence is back after the hard fought 3-2 win over Everton.Robinho is back from injury and will be hoping to be on the scoresheet ever since being out in august.Adebayor or Tevez will start opposite him but i wish it was my fav player Roque Santa Cruz.Mark Hughes is still keeping quiet abt his first 11 for tonight's game.Can Geovanni and co. keep Man city at bay and win this,or will it be a goalfest for Man City tonight?Recording their first win in 7 games?Man city home form is brilliant having won and drew at home and not losing a game.

Man city fans including myself will be wishing for a goalfest tonight!!

Rashy Cruz Prediction for Man City Vs Hull City:Man City 3-0 Hull City