Robinho starts for City against Chelsea

British record signing Robinho was pitched in from the start as Manchester City began their Middle East-backed revolution against Chelsea.

It was thought the Brazilian would end up at Stamford Bridge, only for City to snap him up for £32.5m on deadline day instead. And manager Mark Hughes had no hesitation in handing the 24-year-old a starting spot in attack alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Having relinquished their position as the world’s richest club, Chelsea were eager to make a statement of their own and Joe Cole was passed fit for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side, who were looking to make it seven successive wins against City.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Michael Ball, Wright-Phillips, Hamann, Kompany, Ireland, Robinho, Jo.

Subs: Schmeichel, Elano, Garrido, Gelson, Evans, Ben-Haim, Sturridge.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Obi, Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, Anelka, Malouda.

Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Drogba, Bridge, Kalou, Alex, Belletti.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)