[youtube]zeNLyZu8jrY[/youtube]
Pellegrini v Mourinho: Chelsea boss outwits his Man City rival=150]
Jose Mourinho called Chelsea "a little horse" compared to Manchester City's thoroughbreds - but no-one is buying the obvious smokescreen he is trying to build around his Premier League title aspirations.
And Mourinho has only got himself to blame if the lines he continues to dish out fail to find any takers after his brilliant tactical masterclass, carried out to perfection by his players in a 1-0 win at The Etihad that completed a league double over City, showed how seriously he and Chelsea must be taken.
“So Jose has entered a competition he does not think he can win? No - not sure I'm falling for that either”
Manuel Pellegrini, an old foe who received an unflattering assessment from Mourinho when the Portuguese succeeded him at Real Madrid, is presiding over a team whose form has drawn comparisons with the best in the world.
Mourinho, however, remains the itch Pellegrini cannot scratch as Chelsea ended City's run of 11 straight Premier League home wins that boasts 42 goals - the first time they have failed to register in such a fashion since November 2010.
The match was billed as Chelsea's "Special One" against the 60-year-old they call "The Engineer" - so how did they fare?
Tactics
This was a game that cemented Mourinho's reputation as one of the modern game's great strategists. This was the coach who refused to park the bus and was rewarded with his finest moment since returning to Stamford Bridge.
Play mediaChelsea masseur gave team talk - Mourinho
The talk about Mourinho erecting a defensive screen to stifle free-scoring City proved to be nonsense. Yes, Chelsea were fiercely disciplined at the back, with John Terry and Gary Cahill outstanding, but the key to this win was a counter-attacking plan that played on City's nerves and vulnerabilities.
Mourinho used Nemanja Matic and David Luiz to anchor midfield, so releasing Eden Hazard, Willian and Ramires to run at City in support of Samuel Eto'o. Terry revealed days of specific planning had been put in by Mourinho and it showed.
Pellegrini's default option is to attack - and if that does not work, attack some more. It has worked brilliantly for so much of the season but not here. Barcelona, forthcoming Champions League opponents, will have taken note of Mourinho's success.
He made a mistake by detailing Martin Demichelis in central midfield to cover the influential Fernandinho's absence. Jack Rodwell may only just be coming back from another injury but it says a lot about his City career that he was not selected given Demichelis's toils.
Brazilian Fernandinho has become increasingly important, not just for his own contributions but also for the protection he affords Yaya Toure, freeing him to make destructive runs. How he was missed.
Mourinho knew how City would play and simply picked them off with his usual combination of meticulous defensive organisation and ability to find opponents' flaws. A hands-down victory for Mourinho.
Technical area demeanour
Mourinho took less than 10 seconds to engage fourth official Chris Foy in debate and his body language throughout was in sharp contrast to the understated Pellegrini.
Chelsea's manager was quick to make his point about an early heavy foul on Eden Hazard, scribbling furiously on a notepad and urging concentration from his players, applauding moments of work-rate as he edged closer to the touchline.
The occasional theatrics prompted some colourful chants from Manchester City's fans, the more repeatable being "You're worse than Allardyce" in reference to his condemnation of West Ham's "19th Century Football" last week.
Mourinho also raged as Matija Nastasic escaped a red card for pulling back Oscar but was ecstatic moments later when referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle.
He punched the air before turning to shake hands with Pellegrini. With that, Mourinho showed just how much he wanted this victory, and how important he felt it was.
Mourinho chest-bumped members of his staff, greeted his players like heroes, then marched down the tunnel in triumph.
Pellegrini does not go in for such ostentatious shows of public emotion and never will. He remained impassive almost at all times, even as City slid towards a loss that stripped away a layer of their invincibility.
He spent time sitting in his dug-out and usually stood arms folded - impassive unless it was to give instructions to substitute Stevan Jovetic.
Chelsea have now kept four clean sheets away from home for the first time since December 2008
Post-match mood
This could also be labelled the "chalk and cheese" category - Pellegrini as straight man while Mourinho generates headlines by the sentence.
Mourinho was at his mischievous best (or worst depending on how you view him), calling Chelsea the "little horse" in need of milk and education on how to jump, playing down their title chances but saying the little horse hoped to race next year. No-one in the room quite believed Mourinho when he wrote off Chelsea's chances. Does he really believe it himself?
As he warmed to his task, he painted a colourful background scene of Chelsea masseur Billy McCulloch giving the final team-talk by growling at his players in Scottish tones Mourinho could not understand, before receiving a round of applause from the squad.
Mourinho was playing to the gallery, a gallery that had witnessed a performance that shows Chelsea are still in title contention.
How's stat?
Chelsea are the first team to do the double over Manchester City in the Premier League since Everton in 2010-11.
Branislav Ivanovic has scored 21 Premier League and Champions League goals for Chelsea but this was his first with his left foot.
Pellegrini presents the straightest of bats and the fact there was little meat on the bones of City's loss in his post-match briefing was neither here nor there. He is always like this - win, lose or draw.
He suggested, nonsensically, that City deserved a draw before lamenting injuries to Fernandinho, Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and the less-than-100% Alvaro Negredo. Valid points but an argument that loses weight given the size and scale of spending lavished on Pellegrini's squad.
Pellegrini even suggested Chelsea had luck. He was right. They had bad luck, striking the woodwork three times as they searched for a second goal.
In media terms, Pellegrini is the anti-Mourinho. Quietly-spoken, with expression barely changing, any disappointment well hidden. It is an equanimity that serves him well on nights such as this.
Title chances
Pellegrini made it clear how he felt about this loss, saying: "For our team it was not a decisive game." He has been realistic throughout, refusing to get carried away as City swept all-comers aside. His view on the title has never changed. The serious work remains to be done.
Mourinho, as we have said, is at great pains to suggest Chelsea cannot win the Premier League this season but will be contenders next year.
So Jose has entered a competition he does not think he can win, even though they are only two points off leaders Arsenal? No - not sure I'm falling for that either.
I picked Chelsea to win the title before the start of the season although I now believe it is still Manchester City's to lose but Mourinho writing off his own team's chances has a distinctly hollow ring for such a serial winner.
To-do lists
Pellegrini has a wonderful squad at his disposal but he must now find a way of coping without Fernandinho, who went from being out for a couple of weeks to three or four weeks in the space of a couple of sentences from his manager.
Even the finest teams suffer when injuries strike and Pellegrini will hope the absence of Fernandinho, Nasri and Aguero will not hurt too much in the weeks ahead and that Negredo is soon back to full fitness.
He must devise ways of coping without those key injured players. And if he does, City still have the weaponry to win the Premier League.
Mourinho will be picking and choosing his games carefully to deploy Chelsea's creative hub -Oscar, Willian and the brilliant Hazard.
He will also be working out how best to utilise David Luiz, Nemanja Matic, Jon Obi Mikel and Ramires.
Matic and Luiz worked perfectly on Monday to stabilise Chelsea's midfield. The giant Matic looked the photofit footballer for the holding role, the counterpoint to the flamboyant skills of Hazard, Willian and Oscar but with the skill and power to shape games.
This was Mourinho's night - but the quiet figure of Pellegrini will still believe he can have the last laugh against his old adversary.
Everton Tried To Re-Sign Rodwell
Everton made a last minute attempt to re-sign former player Jack Rodwell from Manchester City, but failed because the title favourites didn’t manage to bring in Fernando from Porto.
Everton sold Rodwell to City for £12million in 2012, but he has hardly seen any action since his arrival and wants a move to get his career back on track.
City may have been prepared to allow Rodwell to join the Toffees on loan, although Premier League rules prevent one team from loaning two players from the same club, meaning they would also have had to make the Gareth Barry deal permanent.
But according to the Daily Mail, Manuel Pellegrini decided he needed Rodwell in his squad for the title push when his attempts to sign Fernando fell through.
This will leave Rodwell having to settle for being back-up for City, and will almost certainly scupper any remaining chances he had of making the World Cup squad this summer.
Poor David Moyes, eh? The arrival of Juan Mata from Chelsea during last month's January transfer window appeared to have heralded a new dawn for the Scot at Old Trafford - but that all came crashing down once again with a dismal 2-1 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.
Although Manchester United were admittedly hampered by defensive issues following injuries sustained to both Jonny Evans and Phil Jones during a tricky 90 minutes at the Britannia Stadium, the apparent ease with which they succumbed to their first league defeat to the Potters in 30 years will have been a cause for great concern.
Things got a trifle worse for Moyes on Monday evening, as the Manchester United boss became the subject of a cruel, mocking banner positioned by Manchester City at the Eithad Stadium ahead of their keenly-anticipated heavyweight clash against Chelsea. The banner features a picture of David Moyes - which, from a distance, appears to have been modified somewhat - next to the sarcastic tagline ' 'Football Genius', in obvious reference to the former Everton favourite's lack of success to date at Old Trafford.
Following a disappointing display of their own, however, as Jose Mourinho extended his excellent record against Manuel Pellegrini as his Chelsea side produced a satisfying 1-0 win courtesy of superb strike from Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic, it is possible that Manchester City's supporters weren't finding things quite so enjoyable by the end of the evening...
Will Manchester City be the best team to not win a title?
If Manchester City fail to win the Premier League title this season then they could be the best side in its history to never win the famous trophy.
A 1-0 home defeat to fellow title-rivals Chelsea ensured they miss the chance to leapfrog leaders Arsenal at the top of the table.
For the Blues, the win moved them level with City on 53 points, a position lower due to goal difference.
Manuel Pellegrini and his side must now fear losing out on the title after a first league home defeat since December 2012.
They would usurp the Liverpool side of 2008/2009 and the Manchester United side of 2011/2012 as the best sides who did not lift the trophy at the end of the season.
In both cases they amassed huge points tallies yet were bettered by a team who just deserved it that tad more.
United were able to recover from the disappointment the following season (2012/2013) by regaining the title in emphatic fashion, but for Liverpool they slid from second to seventh, 23 points behind eventual champions Chelsea in the 2009/2010 campaign.
And City will now be mindful of beating both to the unwanted award despite boasting a plethora of world superstars.
The attacking and entertaining football displayed at the Etihad Stadium this campaign will count for nothing if they do not have the Premier League trophy in their possession come May.
It would be a bitter blow for their plans to build a dynasty both domestically and on the European front.
Furthermore, it would also be viewed as a chance to shine whilst neighbours United remain stranded in the dark, missed.
The newest setback for Pellegrini’s team could either make them or break them.
A lot will be learnt from the way the City juggernaut respond.
If they are not crowned champions in May, they would win a far worse award.
And no trophy goes with that.
Manchester City and Chelsea's exuberant spending has seen their game dubbed 'El Cashico,' however, Manchester United fans should have kept quiet about this one.
The game dubbed 'El Ca$hico' is no laughing matter for Manchester United fans
Manchester City and Chelsea were once again the butt of the jokes as both mega-rich clubs faced off in a intensely contested title six-pointer.
Tweets and spoof images of 'El Ca$ico' were plastered over twitter before, during and after the game on Monday night as both sides started teams worth £156m
£156m is no small sum of money and considering that world class footballers such as Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard and Willian were all involved, it shouldn't really come as a surprise.
Manchester United fans were also involved in taking to social media sites to lament Chelsea and Manchester City for the exuberant spending. However, as the proverb goes 'people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones' especially after their last encounter.
As pointed out by Neil Bonnar, the Head of Sport for The Bolton News, Manchester United's starting XI in their 2-1 loss to Stoke City cost a staggering £173.8m!
An incredible £17.8m more than both Manchester City and Chelsea's starting XI and that's without the inclusion of £30m Rio Ferdinand and £27.5m Marouane Fellaini.
Although the money at the top end of the Premier League is eye-watering even to the richest people in the world. Every supporter will still try and argue the best value for money - unfortunately for United fans, it's an argument they are currently losing by some distance.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 4-2-2010
City reject Real's claims over failed bid for Gago
Club deny Madrid chief Valdano's suggestion they were 'unprepared' for deal
Manchester City have rejected Real Madrid's claims that they scuppered the last-minute £16.3m transfer of Fernando Gago on Monday afternoon and are confident that everything they did was above board.
The Madrid sporting director, Jorge Valdano, said that City were unable to move quickly when the two clubs finally agreed a price for Gago with 40 minutes left before the transfer window shut at 5pm on Monday. He said: "They had nothing prepared, not even one document signed. They had not reached an agreement with the player and they would have had to have done everything in 40 minutes."
The reason that City had not negotiated terms with Gago was because the club's chief executive, Garry Cook, had respected the Fifa rules on transfers that a player should not be approached by the buying club until they have agreed a transfer fee. It is a rule that is widely ignored in many transfers.
Roberto Mancini had identified Gago, 23, as a player he wanted to sign before January but City regarded Madrid's valuation of £22.7m as too high. After they failed to obtain a work permit for the Parma midfielder McDonald Mariga, City decided to go back to Madrid to see if they would lower their price. Unexpectedly, they were able to agree on a deal of £16.3m.
Because City had not agreed terms with the Argentine's agent they offered to take the player on loan in order to push the deal through quickly. They also agreed to sign an undertaking to pay the full amount for Gago in the summer. This is common practice in last-minute January deals when a permanent signing cannot be arranged in time. It was the case when Jermain Defoe joined Portsmouth from Tottenham in 2008.
However, Madrid rejected that option and have subsequently attacked City for failing to do the deal quickly enough. However, in this instance, Cook appears to be blameless in his dealings.
Yesterday, Gago's agent weighed in with criticism of City. Marcello Lombilla said: "City used us. They approached Madrid knowing there wasn't enough time to put something together."
Manchester City have hired eight bodyguards to protect on loan forward Robinho during his spell at Santos in Brazil, according to Spanish publication AS.
The 26 year-old is at Santos for the remainder of the season following a much publicized loan deal from Eastlands. He is expected to make his Santos debut on Sunday in the derby against Sao Paulo.
Robinho is no stranger to stringent security. His mother was kidnapped in 2004 and Manchester City hired four bodyguards for the Brazilian during his time at Eastlands.
However, the club now feels that his safety is in greater danger in Brazil, especially given Robinho 's reputation for partying, which will likely be satisfied during his loan spell. As a result, Manchester City have decided to foot the bill to double the player's security entourage
Patrick Vieira has revealed he is ready to return to the top flight of English football after a four-season absence.
The former Arsenal midfielder hopes to make his long-awaited debut for Manchester City on Saturday against Hull.
Vieira, 33, has recovered from an ankle injury that has delayed his progress since arriving from Inter Milan.
In World Cup year the France international is now looking to kick on at Eastlands.
"It has been a frustrating spell with the injury. Thank God it is over and I am ready to start, " he told the club's website, mcfc.co.uk.
"I suffered it in the last game for Inter and did not realise it was that bad. City have been right behind me and I have to thank them for that.
"I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League again and getting a run of games. When I was in Italy I followed the matches. They have been exciting and I really believe it is one of the best in the world."
City are pushing for a top four place after losing to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
Roberto Mancini's side also have an FA Cup tie against Stoke to look forward to a week on Saturday.
Vieira added: "I have found a team that matches my expectations. I think the future for this club is fantastic. There are a lot of winners and great players in the dressing room.
"Hopefully we can achieve what we want and finish in the top four. We are getting closer to Manchester United. The gap is definitely narrowing."
Defender Pablo Zabaleta is set to wear a mask against Hull on to protect a broken nose.
Zabaleta suffered the injury in the victory over Portsmouth at the weekend after an accidental blow from Kevin-Prince Boateng.
But he is keen to maintain his record of playing every game under new manager Mancini. Vincent Kompany, however, has been ruled with a groin strain.
Meanwhile City have been criticised by Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano after being linked with midfielder Fernando Gago in the transfer window.
City apparently moved in for Gago after their attempt to bring McDonald Mariga from Parma broke down and he joined Inter Milan instead.
Speaking to El Pais, Valdano said: "They had nothing prepared, not even one document signed.
"They had not reached an agreement with the player and they would have needed to do everything in 40 minutes."
Gago's agent Marcello Lombilla told radio station Onda Cero. "City used us. This has never happened to me before.
"I don't want to talk about the figures that City were offering because they approached Madrid without even knowing there wasn't physically enough time to put something together."
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Russian side Zenit St Petersburg are preparing a bid to prise unsettled Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, 28, away from Emirates Stadium. DSSC
Manchester United are weighing up a summer move for William Carvalho, 21, after again sending scouts to watch the Sporting Lisbon midfielder at the weekend. Metro
Cardiff are to pay Getafe £1m for 24-year-old defender Cala - even though he has never played for the La Liga side after buying himself out of his Seville contract. Daily Mirror
Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 28, has handed Newcastle a possible blow by hinting he may decide to stay at the Ligue 1 club in the summer. Sky's Talkshit
Aston Villa have started talks with boss Paul Lambert, 44, over a new deal. The Scot has 18 months left on his contract. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United boss David Moyes says he has not frozen out 35-year-old defender Rio Ferdinand, despite playing him only once in the Premier League since September. Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Brazil midfielder Anderson, who left Old Trafford for Italian side Fiorentina on loan last month, claims a number of his old colleagues do not want to play under Moyes. Daily Express
Chelsea's old guard John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole must wait until April to discover whether they have earned themselves new deals at the club. Metro
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen says his job is not under threat from technical director Alan Curbishley. Ex-Charlton and West Ham boss Curbishley, who was brought in by Meulensteen in November, has been linked with replacing the Dutchman if the Cottagers' poor run continues. Daily Express
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins insists Michael Laudrup is not facing the sack, despite six defeats in the Welsh club's last eight games. Sun
Liverpool are set to reward England midfielder Jordan Henderson, 23, for his impressive form this season by opening discussions in the summer over a new contract. DSSC
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to bring AC Milan's ex-Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 25, back to the Premier League. Tuttosport
Italian side Lazio refused a loan offer from the Gunners for their 35-year-old Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Lefigaro
Spanish champions Barcelona want to extend the contract of 22-year-old right-back Martin Montoya, who is being closely tracked by Liverpool, Inter Milan and Arsenal. Bild
Italian side Inter Milan rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund for their 19-year-old midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Bild
West Ham striker Andy Carroll got a surprise after being sent off against Swansea on Saturday as he returned to the dressing room to find Sky Sports news presenter Charlie Webster having an ice bath. Webster was given the use of the Hammers's medical facilities after completing a 250-mile run for charity, so Carroll used an ice bucket instead. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX LATER
