Manchester city crushes Reds, Testing time for Hodgson

Last night ,Manchester City were able to silence some of their critics when they thrashed a hapless Liverpool side 3-0 to record their best victory against the Anfield side in 73 years and inflict a devastating blow to their main rivals who consider the Citizens to be their main rivals in their quest for a top four finish . The match had an unexpected yet huge guest in the form of arab billionaire Shekh Mansour who visited Eastlands for the first time in two years . And Roberto Mancini and the new look City squad certainly earned some credit by playing some of their best soccer .

Hodgson

Liverpool are facing problems of their own with Javier Mascherano not allowed to play last night following Barcelona’s hot pursuit of the midfielder . Reportedly unsettled at Anfield , Hodgeson had no choice but to exclude him from squad and he further reiterated that he would not be playing again for the reds until the transfer window closes . It remains to be seen whether he stays at the Merseyside club which is very unlikely . But without him , Lverpool were a pale shadow of themselves inspite of Torres returning to action.

James Milner enjoyed an excellent debut for city and he was instrumental in setting up the first goal for his fellow Engish teammate Gareth Barry . A slick pass from Milner found Barry 10 yards in front of goal and he did the rest by neatly finishing the job . The first half was a totally one sided affair and with constant attacking from the City players , Liverpool were simply lucky to not fall further behind .

The second half started in a similar fashion . Liverpool came closest to scoring when a thunderous free kick from Steven Gerrard rattled the post . In a recursive notion of activities , the ball fell in the path of Ngog who was denied by the brilliant hart and he then again denied Torres to pull off a superb double save . But after that it was all blues and a Milner corner found Richards who strongly headed the ball into the goal . Although , Tevez claimed the goal , Richards would ultimately be getting the credit for it . Tevez rounded up the demolition of Liverpool when he cooly slotted home a penalty .

The future looks bright for city ably supported by the gazillions of dollars of the Arab Sheikh . On the basis of last night’s performance it hardly seems Liverpool would be having it easy this time against sides who are desperate to win on home even against the most toughest of oppositions . It capped a performance that proves City have the credentials and the talent to win the biggest prize they can this season, if manager Roberto Mancini can keep his vast squad happy.