Moyes' Men v Mancini's Manchester

It was a clash of expansive spending verses intelligent dealings, a constant changing of managers against a constant manager, never changing, a match that would pit a lacklustre Manchester City against an ever increasing return to form Everton.

Manchester City have been attempting to fly high this season, a feat that Everton have being trying to emulate for the last few seasons. Yet, this year both teams have the advantage of the so called “big four” struggling to hit full throttle, in what has been one of the most closely contested Premierships in a long while. Albeit, Chelsea did win 7-2 today against Sunderland, and Manchester United saw off a Burnley side looking to do the double over the Champions.

However, despite Liverpool keeping the faith with Rafa, Mark Hughes fell foul for drawing too many games, finding himself sacked after picking up only 2 wins in 11 consecutive league games. Everton on the other hand, plagued with injuries, started the season even more poorly, yet they remained faithful to the 3rd longest serving manager in the Premier league, David Moyes. What a wise decision this appears to be.

Mancini may wear a scarf that gives him instant respect and likeability which fans adore, however, with it comes the expectation that a side, which has spent so lavishly, will produce football that will at least match the Italian’s immaculate style. Tevez has recently stepped up to the plate, in the absence of Adebayor , Bellamy has also played his part and Shay Given is still one of the best keepers in the league. Yet, the rest of the team seems to leave much to be desired. Robinho especially feeling the heat, coming on as a substitute before himself being subbed merely 51 minutes later.

Whereas Everton have a side playing once more at the best of their capabilities. South African Steven Pienaar clearly has the summer in sights, yet this only seems to have invigorated the player, who is tormenting countless defenders with his nippy, skilful feet. On the opposite wing, the Toffees have Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a man who looks like another classic Moyes signing, hard working, yet with evident ability to match, even if his name is a nightmare for commentators. Add these two international wingers to a midfield pair of Cahill and Fellaini and it is not hard to see why Everton is producing such good results.

Fellaini may look like an overgrown celery stick, but his appearance should not deceive, his feet are still fully attached to his overexcited head of hair and boy do they work well. And despite what Alan Shearer may suggest, everyone, and not just young lads, loves to see a “Maradona” turn on the ball, leaving Craig Bellamy looking even smaller than he usually would next to the giant.

Landon Donovan also appears to be a shrewd loan signing, finally giving Louis Saha a strike partner who looks able to provide and score. The American is another who will grace South Africa with his presence, let’s just hope he doesn’t like scoring against English opposition too much however.

So, maybe on reflection a 2-0 loss for Mancini was to be expected. His first loss in English football comes at the hands of a team built upon stability. Let’s just hope Mancini is given the time to do the same. However, I doubt it...