City overcome snarling Wolves Manchester City 3 (Dzeko, Kolarov, Johnson) Wolves 1 (Hunt pen)

Unofficial Champions Manchester City overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers to win 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium despite having Vincent Kompany sent off, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the table.
City went ahead early in the second half when Edin Dzeko converted a loose ball after Sergio Aguero had pounced on some hesitant play by the previously impressive Wayne Hennessey. The Wolves goalkeeper then palmed David Silva's shot into the path of Aleksandar Kolarov, who made it 2-0 in the 67th minute.
Stephen Hunt pulled one back for Wolverhampton from the penalty spot with 15 minutes remaining following Kompany's dismissal for bringing down Kevin Doyle, but substitute Adam Johnson wrapped up the victory for the hosts in stoppage time.
The result maintains status quo at the top of the Premier League after second-placed Manchester United had cut the gap earlier in the day with a 1-0 win at Everton. Struggling Wolves, meanwhile, are now winless in eight league fixtures.
City manager Roberto Mancini recalled most of the players who had started last weekend's 6-1 derby win at United, although Mario Balotelli was only named as a substitute. It amounted to eight changes from the 5-2 League Cup victory over Wolves on Wednesday, with Kolarov, Samir Nasri and Dzeko the survivors from that game and the likes of Joe Hart, Yaya Toure, Silva and Aguero returning to the team.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy made six alterations from the cup tie, Doyle one of those keeping his place and midfielder Jamie O'Hara among the men coming back in.
Given what had happened when the sides met in midweek, many were expecting a comfortable afternoon for free-scoring City, but they endured a frustrating first half as they failed to make the most of the chances that came their way thanks both to Hennessey's efforts and their own poor finishing.
Wolves were only able to partially clear a corner from Kolarov in the second minute and the ball came to Nasri, who unleashed a volley which Hennessey tipped over the bar. At the other end, Hunt picked up possession following a mistake by Micah Richards and teed up Doyle, but the Republic of Ireland frontman could only flash his effort across the face of goal.
Aguero, having played a one-two with Silva, scuffed a shot high into the stands and Dzeko put the ball over after Wanderers skipper Roger Johnson had intercepted Richards' cross into the danger zone.
City continued to break forward and Aguero was just unable to meet a cross from the left after it took a deflection. The Argentinian forward then drew a good save out of Hennessey with a turn and strike from outside the box.
Moments later Aguero looked set to put City in front, but mis-kicked as he attempted to stroke home Richards' delivery and the shot went off target. Nasri showed little accuracy too when trying his luck from distance and the same applied to an effort from O'Hara.
Silva saw his strike blocked after Nasri's cross came to him and City fans felt Richard Stearman had fouled Dzeko in the area as the ball came over, but the referee waved for play to continue. And, four minutes before the break Silva put Dzeko through on goal, but the Bosnian's shot was turned around the post by Hennessey.
City kept the pressure up after the restart, with Nasri sending in a cross that bounced out off Silva, and with seven minutes of the second half gone, the hosts made the breakthrough as Hennessey - so dependable before the break - made a hash of dealing with a backpass.
Aguero came in to challenge the goalkeeper and the ball spun out to Dzeko, who lofted it into the net for his fifth goal in three games.
Wolves looked to respond, but there was no-one to get on the end of Hunt's cross, and after Adam Johnson had come on to replace Dzeko, Aguero sliced wide following good link-up play with Silva.
Two minutes later City had their second, Hennessey parrying Silva's shot from the edge of the box and Kolarov tucking away an easy finish. Mancini then brought on Balotelli for Nasri and the Italian youngster side-footed over the bar.
City appeared to be cruising, but they were then reduced to ten men when Hart spilled a shot from Adlene Guedioura and Kompany was adjudged to have impeded Doyle as the forward attempted to get to the rebound.
Kompany was shown a straight red card and Hunt dispatched the resulting spot-kick to set up a nervy finale, but City made sure at the death as Adam Johnson collected Toure's pass and fired in.

Kolo Toure to fight Man City action

Just as it seemed Manchester City were getting things back on track after the Carlos Tevez affair they are now getting themselves ready for another in-house disciplinary hearing this time involving Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure.

The 30 year old defender who claims to have taken one of his wifes slimming pills is expected to appear in front of an internal panel next week as the club look into the possibility of fining the player for his ban which began after the Manchester derby in February.
Toure's ban ended at the end of August and has only been used sparingly as Manchester City begin their campaign in a blaze of glory which has seen then race five points clear at the top of the Premier League and a place in the quarter-final of the Carling Cup.

Former captain Toure, who's made 49 appearances for The Citizens, is looking at the possibility of a move away from Eastlands after falling down the pecking order. A likely destination for the defender could be a move to Paris St Germain but before any move is allowed to happen Toure will be fighting any action the club take and is likely to refer the case to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA)

After the outcome of the Carlos Tevez affair, which saw the striker handed a two week suspention and a £800,000 fine, everyone associated with the club hope the Kolo Toure episode can conclude swiftly and ensuer the club start making headlines for the right reasons.

Lionel Messi "incomplete player" - Pele

To football fans around the world, Barcelona's Lionel Messi is not only the number one player on the planet at the moment but also one of the greats to play our wonderful game but to one legend he has been branded "incomplete"

Brazil legend Pele, in England to launch his lifestyle collection 'The Beautiful Revolution" said "Messi is an incomplete player, he can't use his head. Also, I played at the top level for over 20 years. Messi has only played for a short while"

In his interview with Goal.com the three time World Cup winner who scored more than 1000 goals in his glittering career proclaimed the English Premier League as being "the best league in the world" better than Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga.

Pele, at a drinks reception held in his honour to not only launch the latest sports collection but also his 71st birthday, is never backwards when coming forward with his criticism of todays players but has he hit the nail on the head or is Lionel Messi the finished article? Let us know at admin@worldwidefootball.co.uk. All comments (non libellous) will be printed on here so let us know your views.

City beat Wolves to seal place in quarters

Unofficial champions Manchester City warmed up for their first title defense with a 5-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux tonight.
A brace from Eden Dzeko, and goals from Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and an own goal from Dorus De Vries saw Manchester City through to the Quarter-Finals and are now 5/2 favourites to lift the trophy in February.
The match was a warm up for their Premier League clash on Saturday although who will play on Saturday from tonights line-up will remain to be seen but it showed the strength in depth Roberto Mancini has and proves he is highly unlikely to miss wantaway striker Carlos Tevez.
It was Wolves who took the lead in the 18th minute when Nenad Milijas scored before Manchester City took total control and went into a 5-1 lead before Jamie O'Hara's 65th minute goal completed the scoring.
In front of only 12,436 both sides were evenly matched with Wolves startung the brighter of the two sides but Mick McCarthy's men just couldn't handle the pace and finese City had on offer and the away fans that made the journey to Wolverhampton will be looking forward to the league encounter at the weekend when the "big guns" are given a run out.
This could be the season where City dominate. They have scored 15 goals in their last 3 matches and are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and with a Quarter-Final place in the Carling Cup guaranteed there could be a celebrations galore at Eastlands and if they can transfer theiur league form into the Champions League could they really win the quadruple this season? 812/1 says they can. Worth a quid?

Competitions odds:

Premier League: 11/10
Carling Cup: 9/4
FA Cup: 6/1
Champions League:16/1
Win all four competitions: 812/1 (with Skybet click here to place bet)

French international faces attempted murder charge

FRANCE: Former French international striker Tony Vairelles has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting outside a Nancy nightclub last weekend.


Vairelles, 38, who currently plys his trade with Gueugnon was arrested along with his three brothers after the incident on Sunday night. Its believed two of his brothers were forcibly removed from the club only to return moments later.
Police reports state a gun was fired and a doorman was shot near his spine, his injuries are not considered life threatening. Two other doormen were injured in the incident.


The former Lens, Lyon and Bastia striker appeared eight times for France between 1998 and 2000 scoring one goal in a friendly against Croatia and for a brief spell was part owner of his current club Gueugnon until bankruptcy in April.
In 1998 Vairelles helped Lens win their only French title and has also played for Nancy and Bastia.

Tevez fined £1m by City

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has finally discovered his punishment after a Manchester City disciplinary meeting on Friday. A statement by the club revealed the Argentinan will face a four week fine (around £1m) and suspended for two weeks, which he has already served.


The full statement from City read: 


Manchester City Football Club can confirm that a disciplinary hearing has been concluded in relation to a charge of misconduct by Carlos Tevez.


The charge relates to events during the Champions League match against Bayern Munich on September 27, 2011.


Following a detailed investigation and associated hearing, a disciplinary panel has upheld the charge of misconduct. Five separate breaches of contract formed the basis of the decision by the panel.


As a result Carlos Tevez has been fined four weeks' wages and has been suspended for a period of two weeks (deemed to have already been served). He has received a written warning as to his future conduct.


Carlos Tevez has been informed in writing of the decision of the disciplinary panel, and the club has written to the Professional Footballers Association for ratification of the fine.


The five contractual obligations found by the disciplinary panel to have been breached are:


1. An obligation to participate in any matches in which the player is selected to play for the club when directed by a club official.


2. An obligation to undertake such other duties and to participate in such other activities as are consistent with the performance of the player's duties and as are reasonably required of him.


3. An obligation to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the club.


4. An obligation to observe the statutes and regulations of FIFA and UEFA, the FA Rules, the League Rules, the Code of Practice and the Club rules, including but not limited to breach of Rule E3(1) of the FA Rules (obligation on the player at all times to act in the best interests of the game and not act in any manner which is improper or which brings the game into disrepute).


5. An obligation not to knowingly or recklessly do anything or omit to do anything which is likely to bring the club or the game of football into disrepute or cause the player or the club to be in breach of the rules (as defined in the contract) or cause damage to the club.


Carlos Tevez has the right to appeal this decision to the board of the club. Any appeal must be made within 14 days.

Match suspended due to drunken ref

A match in the Czech Republic between Jestrabi Ihota and Tynec-nad-Labem had to be suspended when referee Tomas Fidra sent off 3 Jestrabi players for no reason.
The official had been out celebrating his birthday and turned up to the match apparently "smelling like a brewery" and although both sides agreed to the referee officiating it didn't take long for both sides regretting their decision when he started falling down all over the pitch then feeling it necessary to dish out the red card three times.
In the end Tynec refused to attack when the scores were level and the local football authority decided to annul the match.
Referee Tomas Fidra who tested almost twice over the limit, is facing a 12 month ban from refereeing.

Noisy neighbours take unofficial title and silence Old TraffordManchester United 1 (Fletcher 81) Manchester City 6 (Balotelli 22, 60, Aguero 69, Dzeko 90, 90+3, Silva 90+1)

Mario Balotelli inspired the worst loss of Sir Alex Ferguson's career as Manchester City thrashed 10-man Manchester United 6-1 to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League and become the NEW Unofficial Premier League Champions.

Balotelli - who was forced to flee his home on Saturday following a bizarre late night blaze triggered by fireworks - lit the fuse on City's title charge in their biggest win at Old Trafford for 85 years.

The 21-year-old Italian fired City ahead in the 22nd minute and added a second on the hour mark before Argentine striker Sergio Aguero netted a third in the 69th minute.

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A brace of late goals from Edin Dzeko and a David Silva finish completed City's scoring on a memorable afternoon as United suffered their worst home defeat in Premier League history.

United - who had Jonny Evans sent off two minutes into the second half - scored a memorable late goal through Darren Fletcher but it was scant consolation after a nightmare afternoon for Ferguson's men.

The defeat was United's first league loss at Old Trafford since April 2010 and left City in pole position at the top of the table.

Balotelli celebrated his opening strike by removing his shirt to expose a T-shirt with the slogan - "Why Always Me? - which delighted his team-mates but irked referee Mark Clattenburg, who promptly booked the forward.

Stunned United boss Ferguson said the defeat was the worst of his 54-year career as a player and manager.

"It was our worst ever day," said Ferguson. "It's the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don't think I ever lost 6-1.

"The sending off was a killer for us. We kept attacking when we went 4-1 down and we should have just said: 'We've had our day."

"We just kept attacking. They were attacking three versus two. It was crazy football," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

A good afternoon for City got even better in the late games as Chelsea crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Queens Park Rangers in a pulsating west London derby which saw Andre Villas-Boas's side finish with nine men.

Next up for the new champions is a non-title match when they head to Molineux and face Wolves in the Carling Cup. Their first title defence will be three days later when they host ... Wolves!!!!

The Karate Kid arrives in Malaga

Since running this site I have never had the need to post a video clip but tonight changed all of that. No it wasn't Johnny from the X-Factor but ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a quite unbelieveable goal tonight in their 4-0 victory over Malaga at La Rosaleda.
I'll leave the clip to show you how special the goal was, ladies and gentleman, I give you, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Liverpool almost snatch title in Anfield thrillerLiverpool 1 (Gerrard 68) Manchester United (Hernandez 81)

Substitute Javier Hernandez earned Manchester United a point after England striker Wayne Rooney was left out of the starting line-up at Anfield.

The Mexican levelled nine minutes from time after Steven Gerrard, making his first start since undergoing groin surgery in April, put Liverpool ahead with a 68th-minute free-kick.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he dropped Rooney after he was left "devastated" by the three-match ban that rules him out of England's Euro 2012 group games following his red card in Montenegro.

As well as Rooney, Ferguson also left Hernandez and Nani on the bench in a much-changed United team.

It looked like proving an expensive decision as Gerrard slotted a free-kick through the United wall to make it 1-0.

That was the signal for Ferguson to make changes - and Hernandez rescued a point with a close-range header.

Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson almost snatched victory twice in stoppage time but United held on to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats at Anfield.

United were second-best for long periods as they struggled to adapt to an unfamiliar line-up and were ultimately fortunate to leave Merseyside with their unbeaten league run still intact.

And Ferguson was largely indebted to young keeper David de Gea, who has had his critics this season but made crucial saves to keep United in contention as they came under concerted pressure in the closing stages.

Ferguson, perhaps recalling how United had been comprehensively outfought in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool last season, opted for a side with a more pragmatic look with Phil Jones moved into a midfield role.

And in an undistinguished opening, Jones had the best chance when he met Patrice Evra's cross at the far post but headed weakly off-target with what proved to be United's most inviting opening of the first half.

Liverpool captain Gerrard then created confusion in the United six-yard area with a whipped cross - but the clearest opportunity fell to Luis Suarez in the 33rd minute. Charlie Adam's shot deflected invitingly into the Uruguayan's path but, after cleverly wrong-footing Jonny Evans, he was thwarted by De Gea's block.

It was Liverpool who once again carried the momentum after the break and the recalled Rio Ferdinand was booked for a foul on Suarez, whose confrontational approach and brilliant natural ability was proving hard to handle.

After Evra was also shown a yellow card following a prolonged bout of bickering which also involved Suarez, Ferguson decided on a double change by replacing Park Ji-sung and Ashley Young with Nani and Rooney.

As they stood waiting to come on, Liverpool took the lead as Gerrard showed what his side have been missing. United hotly contested the free-kick awarded when Adam tumbled under Ferdinand's challenge - and Gerrard steered a 20-yard free-kick past De Gea, thanks in no small part to Ryan Giggs jumping out of the wall.

Ferguson then made another change as Liverpool moved within sight of victory, sending on Hernandez for Jones in the hope that the Mexican's goal-poaching instincts could be the catalyst for a comeback.

And so it proved when Hernandez arrived with perfect timing on to Danny Welbeck's flick from a corner to send a header flashing past Pepe Reina.

De Gea was United's hero again within seconds of Hernandez's equaliser, diving to his left to claw away Dirk Kuyt's shot as he got on the end of a superb cross from Stewart Downing.

Liverpool were still pressing for the winner in stoppage time with another substitute, Henderson, prominent. His angled finish was brilliantly turned away by De Gea and he also headed just over.

Defender Martin Skrtel should have done better than sky a chance into the Kop in the dying moments - and it was the Manchester United supporters who were happier with a point at the final whistle.

United clip Canaries wingsManchester United 2 (Anderson 68, Wellbeck 87) Norwich City 0

Manchester United edged past Norwich to retain their position at the top of the Premier League.

Anderson headed in on 68 minutes before Danny Welbeck sealed the points after exchanging passes with Park Ji-sung.

The pattern of the game could have been different if Anthony Pilkington had taken one of two chances either side of United's opener.

But the Norwich winger shot wide when clean through and saw another effort hit the post on 75 minutes.

The hosts improved in the second period and could have extended their lead via Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, who returned to the United side after a hamstring injury.

However, they were made to work for the points on a glorious afternoon in Manchester, where the counter-attacking plans of Norwich boss Paul Lambert almost came to fruition.

Rooney clipped the bar when he was clean through late on, while Welbeck was inches from scoring before he settled nerves inside Old Trafford three minutes from time.

The relief inside the stadium was palpable as United sealed their 19th consecutive Premier League home win, especially as the visitors caused problems on the break from the beginning.

Early on, Elliott Bennett made good progress down the right but could not find an unmarked Steve Morison, while Wes Hoolahan tested the palms of Anders Lindegaard, who was making his first Premier League start.

But once Norwich had that brief attacking flurry, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were largely camped in their opponents' half as the Canaries concentrated on defensive duties.

United certainly had the majority of possession but they were pedestrian at times, with Darren Fletcher's flick from a corner the closest they came to scoring in the first half.

Ferguson made seven changes to the side from the 3-3 Champions League draw with Basel, in which he called his side's defending "careless", but after the early openings, they had little to defend against in the first half.

That changed early in the second period when Phil Jones made a great interception to stop Morison's cross reaching Hoolahan and Jonny Evans, in for Rio Ferdinand, took the sting out of Pilkington's effort.

Frustration began to grow within Old Trafford, not least when Pilkington was presented with the best chance of the game up to that point.

Bradley Johnson could not find his team-mate with a through ball but Antonio Valencia slipped, putting Pilkington clean through, only for the former Huddersfield man to shoot agonisingly wide.

Lambert and his backroom staff all had their heads in their hands and the Premier League newcomers were made to rue that chance minutes later.

From substitute Ryan Giggs' corner Jones nodded onto Rooney, who directed it towards Anderson for a close-range header to give home supporters a huge release.

That almost turned to despair soon after when Pilkington's shot was deflected against the post by the Brazilian.

But with the game becoming more open, substitute Welbeck played in Park down the right, before receiving the return pass and sliding in for his fifth goal of the season.

United could have made it 3-0 with further chances, but Norwich's Andrew Crofts also had a shot saved and his side can come away from this encounter with some reason to feel hard done by.