EPL Round-up: Six of the best for City in derby demolition

All eyes were on Manchester in the latest round of Barclays Premier League matches, and following the derby game at Old Trafford on Sunday, it is still the one scoreline on everyone's lips: Manchester United 1, Manchester City 6.

There is no doubt that Manchester City were never going to be underestimated ahead of their trip to face their arch rivals, and current Premier League champions, Manchester United, but very few people would have (4T1V2X6Y) predicted such a convincing winning margin. Granted, a red card early in the second half for United centre back Jonny Evans had a massive impact on the result, in addition to three goals coming in injury time from City as Ferguson's men ran out of steam in the closing minutes. But whatever way you look at it, or spin it, this was a monumental result for Manchester City, and as Alex Ferguson himself admitted, United's darkest day in the Premier League.

The home side had actually started the stronger team, but it was City who broke the deadlock, somewhat against the run of play, as the ever controversial Mario Balotelli picked his spot with a cool right foot finish from a James Milner cut back. His celebration was muted, but he did reveal a t-shirt which read 'Why Always Me?” - although his firework antics that made the headlines in the past few days would seem to go a long way to answering such a question! Thankfully, for City fans, the Italian showed his explosive side on the field of play in a positive manner on this occasion, as it was him who was hauled down by Evans when clean through on the goalkeeper to earn the Northern Irish international a straight red card. Balotelli then added City's second goal on the hour mark, finishing off a lovely move which involved some great work from the mesmerising David Silva.

The match was effectively over just nine minutes later when yet another flowing City attacking move was finished off by Sergio Aguero, and with more than 20 minutes left to play United were suddenly staring down the barrel of a humiliating derby defeat. Darren Fletcher's sublime goal from the edge of the area in the final 10 minutes looked to have restored at least a little pride for the home side, but the worst was yet to come. In the closing minutes of the game two goals from substitute Edin Dzeko, and one in between from the fantastic Silva, completed a quite astonishing rout and inflicted United's worst home defeat since 1955, and the first time they'd conceded 6 at Old Trafford since 1930. Most importantly, in the title race, it extends City's lead at the summit to 5 points, and gives them a vastly superior goal difference over their rivals.

Sunday also saw another shock, as Chelsea slumped to defeat in their west London derby away to Queens Park Rangers. An early penalty from Heidur Helguson gave the home side the advantage at Loftus Road, before first half red cards for Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba left Chelsea with an uphill battle. It was Frank Lampard's 500^th Premier League appearance, but it was not one to remember for the England international midfielder as he had a penalty claim denied, and saw his side miss out on the chance to overtake Manchester United in second place.

There were also victories for London sides Arsenal and Tottenham, who had their respective Dutch masters to thank for their victories. Robin van Persie and Rafael van der (1G7K6Q7K) Vaart both grabbed two goals to help their sides maintain some good recent form, Arsenal beating Stoke 3-1 at the Emirates and Spurs winning 2-1 away to struggling Blackburn Rovers.  Late goals from Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell also gave Everton a welcome 3-1 victory away to Fulham.  Fantastic goals from Royston Drenthe and Bryan Luiz had the scoreline at 1-1 prior to the late show at Craven Cottage.

The previous day saw Norwich stun Liverpool in the late kick off, as Grant Holt's bullet header cancelled out Craig Bellamy's first half opener and earned the Canaries a surprise point at Anfield.  There was a west Midlands derby at Villa Park, and it was West Bromich Albion who came out on top against 10-man Aston Villa.  The home side had (8H7X5B1K) lead through a Darren Bent penalty, but a controversial red card for Chris Herd, and goals from Olsson and Scharner, gave the Baggies their first league win at Villa Park since 1979.

Newcastle sustained their impressive start to the season as they defeated Wigan 1-0 to stay in fourth spot, but they left it late as French international Yohan Cabaye finished well with 9 minutes remaining to win the match, and all 3 points, for the St James' Park side.

Results in Full:

Saturday 22^nd October

Aston Villa 1-2 West Brom

Bolton 0-2 Sunderland

Liverpool 1-1 Norwich

Newcastle 1-0 Wigan

Wolverhampton 2-2 Swansea

Sunday 23rd October

Arsenal 3-1 Stoke

Blackburn 1-2 Tottenham

Fulham 1-3 Everton

Man Utd 1-6 Man City

QPR 1-0 Chelsea

Premier League Table:

1	Man City	8	21	22
2	Man Utd	8	19	20
3	Chelsea	8	11	19
4	Newcastle	9	6	19
5	Liverpool	9	2	15
6	Tottenham	7	1	13
7	Norwich	9	-1	12
8	Stoke	8	-2	12
9	Aston Villa	9	0	11
10	West Brom	9	-2	11
11	Arsenal	8	-5	10
12	Sunderland	9	2	9
13	Swansea	9	-5	9
14	QPR	8	-8	9
15	Wolves	9	-6	8
16	Fulham	8	1	7
17	Everton	7	-4	7
18	Bolton	9	-12	6
19	Blackburn	8	-9	5
20	Wigan	9	-9	5

By Laurie Dunsire