Manchester City is on top of the Premier League, and although that standing may last for only a few hours, it says something for the status of the Citizens' project. Having just completed their 20th match, the Blue side of Manchester has crafted a moment to look down on the red. Those are the rewards for a rousing 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
English Premier League Tuesday: Manchester City Climbs Top, Spurs Go Fourth, Fulham Out Of The Drop
Manchester City 4-0 Aston Villa: The Citizens did it without Carlos Tévez thanks to a hat-trick from Mario Balotelli. If the surly Italian protegé is ready to become anything near the player we saw today, the Citizens may be ready to take up Chelsea's mantle as title contenders. As is, it's too early to make any hasty generalizations about Balotelli's play, though it may be time to pass some judgment on Villa. After today's performance, Villa's only two points above the drop, with a manager that has done nothing to show he's capable of keeping them afloat.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Newcastle United: A strong performance from Tottenham shows they're capable of navigated the crowded, fixture congested waters while keeping the title in site. With the win, they move into fourth place, though they'll be without Younes Kaboul for three matches. A headbutt to Chiek Tiote in the second half earned straight red and a corresponding suspension, though a late Gareth Bale goal gave Spurs their second 10-on-11 goal in as many matches.
Sunderland 0-2 Blackpool: A great win for Blackpool gives them them their fifth road win of the season, becoming the first team to win at the Stadium of Light this season, though Sunderland did not pay poorly. They laid siege to Blackpool's goal but could beat Richard Kingson, and with a late counter attack goal giving DJ Campbell a brace and Blackpool a deceiving lopsided lead, the final score will paint a deceiving portrait of this match.
Stoke City 0-2 Fulham: Two goals within the first ten minutes for defender Chris Baird gave the Cottagers the kind of lead their style of player is adept at preserving. The finally 80 minute played out predictably, giving Fulham a much-needed three points. The Cottagers climb out of the drop zone, now sitting 16th after their third win of the season. Stoke, passed by Blackpool and Blackburn, now sits 10th.
West Bromwich Albion 1-3 Blackburn: The most entertaining match of the day saw West Brom dominate the first half while being sent to halftime drawn 1-1. Two early goals off corner kicks gave Blackburn a two goal lead, and after Nikola Kalinic - responsible for two of Rovers' goals - went shown straight red in the second, Steve Kean's side was able to hold on for a convincing three points.
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