Winning stroke for Mancini, opens by crushing Stoke

Roberto Mancini was given a warm welcome by the Manchester City fans as he showed up for his first match. He obliged the fans as well and his team won over Stoke City 2-0. This opening victory for Mancini who replaced Mark Hughes in controversial circumstances would have come as a sigh of relief for the team and the management.

The crowd gave a standing ovation to Craig Bellamy who’s clash with Mancini has been much talked about since he joined. Bells had even hinted at looking at other teams as the transfer window opens but as he substituted Robinho, the crowd erupted proving his popularity with the Eastlands.

City managed to seal their crafty victory in the first half itself with Petrov scoring in the 28th minute and Carlos Tevez in extra time for first half. While the victory was a boost for the side, Mancini now faces the huge task of reviving City from the slump they are seeing currently.

Another clear cut 2-0 victory was seen at Anfield as the Wolves came visiting. It seemed like a Christmas gift for the ailing side and a huge morale boost. While the hosts were nowhere near brilliant in the match, but they managed to pull off the victory which mattered for them. Steven Gerrard’s header in the first half gave the home team the cheer while Yossi Benayoun fired the second one to close the match. Steven Ward was controversially sent off after two yellow cards and the struggling Wolves were reduced to 10. Being in the middle of the table is not what Liverpool is used to and maybe this win can turn the tide for them.

The day ended with many draws with Bolton and Burnley settling for 1-1. Playing at Turf Moor, Bolton remaining in the danger zone while Burnley managed to pull themselves off with the one point. The Wandereres were the first to score through Matt Taylor but David Nugent headed to equalise. Everton also equalised 1-1 with Sunderland in the dying minutes of the match. Darren Bent had scored earlier on for Sunderland putting the visitors under pressure. Wigan and Blackburn also split points with a 1-1 draw. McCarthy scored in the first half for the visitors and then Rodallega equalised in the 53rd minute.