Balotelli — MCFC hero, not cult hero

MARIO BALOTELLI, the match winner in Manchester City’s stunning 3-2 victory over Tottenham, last night found himself embroiled in further controversy after Harry Redknapp accused him of deliberately stamping on the head of Spurs midfielder Scott Parker.

ARSENAL goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has vowed to give up Twitter after the club’s defeat to Manchester United yesterday.

ARSENE WENGER was forced to defend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s substitution during yesterday’s defeat to Manchester United after Robin van Persie openly questioned the decision to replace the youngster.

IT was not vintage Manchester United but still a performance of champions, digging out victory when it looked like they were losing ground in the Premier League title race.

IT says a lot about the recent demise of Liverpool that the former Kings of Wembley have never played at the revamped national stadium while Manchester United have been there 12 times and Chelsea nine; so it is not difficult to understand why Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City has become so important in the minds of supporters.

IT was a classic, if desperate, diversionary tactic by Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, after his team’s inept defeat at Bolton on Saturday — turn all the blame onto someone else.

QUESTION: How do you know when things are going your way?

The Good

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp has warned Manchester City that their grip on the Premier League title could vanish within a matter of weeks.

LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Jose Reina is confident the squad will not allow dreams of Wembley to interfere with a vital trip to Bolton today.

MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini will not be blaming Carlos Tevez if his team fail to win the Barclays Premier League.

THERE should be plenty reasons to keep our eyes glued to the pitch when Manchester City face Spurs tomorrow, not least because here are two classy sides who, on a good day, are well capable of paying more than lip service to the idea of football as the beautiful game.

WAYNE ROONEY insists tomorrow’s showdown at Arsenal is much more than a shoot-out between him and Robin van Persie.

ALEX FERGUSON claims there is “no chance” of the spectacular August showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal being repeated when the two sides meet again at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

ARSENE WENGER has challenged his players to show they have what it takes to break back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League by beating Manchester United.

ADAM JOHNSON has admitted he would be devastated if Manchester City failed to win the Premier League title this season.

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Nani admitted he is a frequent victim of Alex Ferguson’s infamous ‘hairdryer’.

MANCHESTER UNITED should have in excess of 6,000 fans at the powderkeg FA Cup fourth-round tie with Liverpool at Anfield later this month.

ASTON VILLA keeper Shay Given has returned to full training after five weeks out of action but admits he faces a fight to regain his place because of the form of his deputy Brad Guzan.