Twelve months ago Hughes was the man profiting from the South American’s prowess in front of goal.

Now it is Roberto Mancini hailing two goals and a man-of-the-match display from the inspirational South American.

Indeed, as Mancini reflects on a table that shows his side to be bang in the title hunt and four more goals on the road to answer the critics who have panned him for being too negative, the Italian could be forgiven for having a large chuckle to himself.

Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure struck within a three-minute period at the end of the first half after Tevez had given City a flying start.

And although Zoltan Gera netted a consolation for the hosts, Tevez had already grabbed a fourth for the Blues, who would have to be rated as strong championship challengers in this crazy season, if they can start playing at home as they do away.

Source: Premier League

Lee Bowyer’s opening-half goal – his first for nearly 12 months – earned Alex McLeish’s side a shock victory.

But their hero was Foster who bounced back from his error on England duty in midweek with a series of stunning saves.

Chelsea dominated proceedings for the entire 90 minutes but they could not find a way past the former Manchester United player.

It was a vastly improved performance by Chelsea compared to their 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland last weekend.

But they tasted defeat in back to back league matches for the first time since the end of the 2005-2006 campaign and they now only lead Manchester United on goal difference.

In addition to Foster, City centre-backs Scott Dann and Roger Johnson were outstanding.

Chelsea were quickly into their stride and Salomon Kalou missed an early chance to put them ahead.

Didier Drogba’s flick found Kalou with only Foster to beat but his shot went through the legs of the keeper and just past the post.

Foster made a fine save to keep Birmingham on level terms after Drogba was sent clear by Kalou.

It was the kind of chance Drogba would normally convert but Foster raced off his line to reduce the angle and saved low to his left.

Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Barclays Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur fought back from 2-0 down to record a remarkable first victory at Emirates Stadium.

Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh had put the Gunners in complete control as they looked set to leapfrog Chelsea, who play Birmingham City later in the day.

However, Spurs – who had just one Premier League away victory over their old rivals, in May 1993 – regrouped for the second half following the introduction of fit-again England striker Jermain Defoe.

Gareth Bale pulled a goal back on 50 minutes, before a handball from captain Cesc Fabregas from a free-kick gave away a penalty, which Rafael van der Vaart converted.

Arsenal were then condemned to successive home league defeats for the first time in 13 years when Younes Kaboul headed in a dramatic late winner.

Samir Nasri and former team-mate William Gallas clashed within the opening few moments when Nasri raced clear, only to be halted by a fine saving tackle from the former Gunners defender.

It was a positive start for Arsenal, with Fabregas getting into the right side of the Spurs penalty area, but opted to shoot across goal rather than pull the ball back for Nasri.

Fabregas’ chip split the Tottenham defence, but Nasri’s touch into the penalty area was just too heavy, which should have allowed Gomes to come off his line to collect.

However, the Spurs keeper hesitated and failed to gather the ball on the penalty spot, which then bobbled wide.

The return of Wayne Rooney made it a perfect day for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took full advantage of their title rivals’ misfortunes.

United brushed aside Wigan Athletic, who self-destructed in the second half with two unnecessary red cards, but perhaps more importantly Rooney made his first appearance since the contract saga that saw the England striker threaten to leave before signing a new five-year deal.

The setbacks suffered by Arsenal and Chelsea made it imperative that United did not slip up too and they made no mistake as headers by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez ensured Ferguson’s men second spot in the Barclays Premier League table, behind Chelsea only on goal difference.

Rooney should have put the icing on the cake by scoring too but passed up a glorious opportunity.

For Wigan, red cards for Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega virtually ensured they would get nothing from the match.

Source: Premier League

John was earlier involved in scam where he apparently accepted money in return for a tour of Chelsea’s club facilities. Read here.

The Chelsea defender will speak with England coach Fabio Capello and FA officials to discover their thoughts on the latest off-field problem to engulf him.

Terry is close to giving up the job he treasures the most in order to save squad’s morale ahead of the World Cup this summer. Terry values being captain of his country more than anything else, but he recognises that his actions could have potentially damaged the unity within the national squad.

Terry has the Blues

Terry’s Chelsea team-mates showed their support for him after he scored the winner against Burnley on Saturday, there are players at other clubs who do not share the same feeling. Wayne Bridge’s current team-mates at Manchester City have shown support for the left-back by wearing ‘Team Bridge’ T-shirts under their kits in the match against Portsmouth. Other players in the England squad have also contacted former Blues left-back Bridge to offer their support and voice disgust at Terry’s behaviour. Players from other Premier League club’s have admitted they have lost respect for a natural born leader.

Wayne Bridge, the player on the otherside of the controversy has voiced out that as long as Terry remains in the England set-up, he doesn’t want to be considered for the squad even with a World Cup coming up. England Coach, Capello, wants a united squad when he travels to South Africa and remains with a tough decision to make. Terry seems to be close to ease his manager’s troubles by informing the FA that he can no longer remain in the role as England Captain.

Manchester City’s coach Mark Hughes has been sacked and according to news coming in, Roberto Mancini’s appointment was agreed upon before hand.

City’s latest match ended in a 3-4 defeat to Sunderland. This was just their second defeat in the league and yet it was a surprising decision by the owner to sack Hughes. The objective for Man City this season was to end with 70 points, but Hughes ascertained that a sixth place finish was enough to secure his job. However, the owner- Khaldoon al-Mubarak is aiming for a fourth place, Champions League finish.

Mark Hughes is furious that he wasn’t made aware of the new season targets and said that he did not see his sacking coming.

Bottom placed Portsmouth played well to earn a victory over Burnley. It was the first match for Avram Grant as Portsmouth manager, and it was a delightful welcome for him.

Brunley squandered quite a few opportunities to go ahead and will surely regret the missed chances.

Portsmouth didn’t give up and kept pushing forward. Portsmouth had a great chance to go one-up from a penalty but Dindane managed to miss it. However, later in the game he scored adding to the lead given to the home team through Hermann Hreidarsson’s brilliant left-footer.

Portsmouth are now temporarily off the bottom place.

Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool earn another frustrating draw. The first half had nothing interesting happening. Both teams evenly matched up until the break.

At the start of the second half Blackburn had some great opportunities, through Chelesa’s loan signing- Di Santo. The youngster played well.

Liverpool also had decent opportunites, the most tlling one being a terrific run by Glenn Johnson to put N’gog on goal, but N’gog somehow skewed the shot on the top-bar. The rebound was hit off target.

Liverpool surely looked like they were missing Torres, The Reds were just unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

Wonder why Benitez wasn’t looking to bring Aquiliani on as a substitute, Nabil El Zhar was brought in as a late substitute.

Blackburn were also suffering from some kind of jitters in front of goal, like their counterparts. They also had numerous opportunities to seal the deal, but were unsuccessful.

Although Blackburn will be happy to gain a point after a rigorous mid-week game.

West Ham 0-4 Manchester United

It was a thumping win for the defending champions. Scholes opened the score just before half-time.

Wonder kid- Darron Gibbson scored another glorious strike just over the hour mark and added to the lead.

The Hammers had decent chances as well but couldn’t convert. Diamanti had an awesome shot on goal, but Kuzczak pulled an even better save.

Two quick goals were scored by Valencia and Rooney which took the match away from the home team.

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City

Prior to the match Arshavin had stated that Arsenal were missing Van Persie upfront and also some tall statured players(Arshavin himself being around 5′ 8″).

Arshavin looked lively on the field and managed to win a penalty after forcing an error from Delap. Skipper Fabregas came up to take the spot-kick but Sorensen saved it.

Arshavin scored another brilliant goal from a Fabregas cross.

Ramsey scored the second to give Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Stoke City.

Wigan 2-3 Birmingham

Wigan took the lead in the first half through N’Zogbia’s 33rd minute strike.

Sebastian Larsson equalized for the visitors in the 61st minute and five minutes later Christian Benitez gave Birmingham the lead. Later Larsson extended the lead by scoring his second goal in the game.

Jordi Gomez pulled one back late in the match, but it was just too late for the homeside.

Until today’s loss, Wigan were undefeated at home after leading 1-0.

Aston Villa 3-0 Hull

Villa scored early in the game through Richard Dunne from a Milner assist. 15 minutes later Milner celebrated his own strike and also Villa’s 2-0 lead.

Aston Villa kept attacking Hull City, they won a penalty which was taken by Carew.

Wolves 2-1 Bolton

The fastest goal of the day was scored by Wolverhampton’s Jody Carddock in the 3rd minute.

Nenad Milijas added to the lead. Bolton struck a late goal through Johan Elmander.

Both sides looked to attack but the game ended 2-1 to Wolves.

Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

The final match of the day was the most exhilirating encounter. Both sides were looking to attack from kick-off.

Chelsea took the lead when Anelka’s shot could have been saved by Given, but unfortunately the ball bounced into the net off Adebayor back. Adebayor took revenge later in the half, scoring from a corner.

The second half got into a high-tempo mode. Both sides were driving players forward and referee came into action many-a-times producing yellow cards and giving free-kicks. Chelsea and Man City had good chances, Chelsea didn’t manage to capitilize. City were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, which was wonderfully converted by Tevez to give City the lead.

Drogba won a penalty for Chelsea after drawing a foul from Onuoha, late in the game. Given came to City’s rescue by saving Lampard’s penalty and thus ensuring a win for Man City.

Shay Given saves Lampard's penalty

City’s Micah Richards and Wayne Bridge both seemed to be injured, Bridge was carried off on a stretcher after a sliding tackle from Belletti. Chelsea’s Terry also limped off late in the second half.

The match started off well for Liverpool with Skrtel’s header being saved by Given, from a Lucas free-kick.

There were more injuries for Rafa Benitez with Daniel Agger going down during the free-kick and was later taken off with a concussion. Another injury for Ryan Babel when he was challenged just outside the box, this meant The Reds had to make two substitutions within the first 15 minutes.

From then on there were a few chances for both sides but the finishing was way off for both teams.

The match came to life in the second half, Liverpool scored through Skrtel’s header from a Gerrard free-kick. City equalized from a free header to Adebayor, this time Skrtel didn’t defend well.

Stephen Ireland put  Man City ahead but only for 74 seconds, Benayoun brought Liverpool right into the game when Given tried to save Ngog’s shot but couldn’t reach the ball and left the net open for Benayoun to slot it in.

Lucas missed a free header and a chance to win Liverpool the game, in added time. The game ended all square for both teams.

Sunday’s line of matches

Tottenham 9-1 Wigan

Wigan suffered an utterly humiliating defeat at the hands of Tottenham and Jermaine Dofoe.

Dofoe scored 5 goals in the second half to give his side a thumping victory over the visitors. It has also helped his prospects for his place in the English squad proceeding to the World Cup.

Aaron Lennon also had a good game coming back from injury, posing to be a continuous menace for the opposition’s defense. Other scorers included Crouch (9), Lennon (64), Kirkland (og 88) and Kranjcar (90+4).

Puyol thinks its time to test himself abroad and what better place to do so than the Premier League. The veteran has admitted that he admires the pace and physical nature of the League and believes it is a perfect fit with his style.

Man City: Shay Given, Micah Richards, Kolo Toure, Lescott, Bridge, Gareth Barry, De Jong, Zabaleta, Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez, Santa Cruz.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Ilunga, Parker, Noble, Hines, Diamanti, Franco, Cole.

Manchester City team news

Stephen Ireland will not start the match due to a sickness bug, he was anyway expected to miss out when he was hospitalised midweek after complaining of dizziness. Gareth Barry was almost missed this match, thought to have caught the same bug. Micah Ricards hopefully has recovered from a shoulder niggle to start this game. Emmanuel Adebayor completes his three-match ban after this match, but could face more time punishment because of his celebrations after scoring against former club, Arsenal. However, Santa Cruz has recovered but Robinho is still out injured. Other injured players include Nedum Onuoha, Vincent Kompany, Michael Johnson and Benjani Mwaruwari.

Hammers team news

Matthew Upson will probably be available after he limped off against Liverpool with a calf injury. Forward Luis Jimenez looks to have recovered from a groin injury. Although midfielder Jack Collison’s appearance may be doubtful due to a calf problem. Guillermo Franco could start this one, Valon Behrami who also limped off against Liverpool is lacking full match fitness.Other injuries members include Dean Ashton (ankle) and Luis Boa Morte (cruciate ligaments).

Something to be noted is Hammers will be up against their former club members Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy.

It was a highly anticipated Manchester derby with both sides showing good form in the league. Although City must have surely felt Adebayor’s loss, who had to miss this game due a three match suspension.

A silly mistake by keeper Foster saw Tevez pass the ball into Gareth Barry’s path who negated Man U’s lead given to them by Rooney’s goal. Tevez almost scored one for himself only to be denied by the post. Bellamy struck back with an almost impossible goal in the 90 minute, after an error from Rio Ferdinand.

Rio and Tevez battle it out

Fletcher had a good game for Manchester United heading in two goals. Ryan Giggs was at his usual best during the game. Keeper Shay Given tried his best to keep City in the match and made a stunning save of Dimitar Berbatov’s header, from a Giggs corner. However, Given couldn’t stop Owen from winning the match for United.

Michael Owen celebrates his winner against City

Both teams had to cope with injuries to key players; Robinho and Carlos Tevez were both ruled out due to ankle and knee injuries, respectively. For Arsenal, Andrei Arshavin had to sit out because of a groin injury he suffered during Russia’s World Cup 2010 qualifier against Wales. Arshavin was sad to miss out this week’s Premier League match but was proud to play for his country.

Micah Richards’  header hit the post and then went in by hitting keeper Manuel Almunia’s head, counting as an own goal. Most of the match was dominated by Arsenal but they failed to make any headway. Dutchman Robin Van Persie scored the equalizer for Arsenal in the 62nd minute. A few minutes later Craig Bellamy once again gave City the lead. Adebayor scored the third goal and sprinted the whole length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans. A chair was shown in his direction as was a yellow card. Shaun Wright-Phillips added to the tally scoring the fourth goal, however, Arsenal did not give up and managed to score a second through Tomas Rosicky(87′). They came close to pulling another goal back with a sweet strike from Van Persie which sadly came back off the goal post.

Other results for the day

Blackburn Rovers    3-1    Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool    4-0    Burnley
Manchester City    4-2    Arsenal
Portsmouth    2-3    Bolton Wanderers
Stoke City    1-2    Chelsea
Sunderland    4-1    Hull City
Wigan Athletic    1-0    West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur    1-3    Manchester United