Big-spending City too strong for Bolton

Last updated : 21 August 2011 By AFP

Robert Mancini's side are tipped to make a strong challenge for Manchester United's crown after splashing out another £50 million on new talent during the close-season and City's expensively-assembled side look in the mood to fulfil those expectations.


Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko -- three lavish signings from previous seasons -- maintained City's 100 percent record as they moved to the top of the table.


There was also a substitute appearance from Carlos Tevez, the unsettled Argentine striker who hopes to leave City before the transfer window shuts on August 31.


Mancini gave a first start to Sergio Aguero, the club's record ?£38 million signing from Atletico Madrid, after the Argentina forward's two-goal cameo appearance against Swansea on Monday.


But it was Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who played the key role as City took the lead in the 26th minute.


Spanish midfielder Silva fired in a speculative shot from the edge of the area and Jaaskelainen made a complete hash of his attempted save, allowing the ball to spill through his hands into the net.


There was no fortune about City's second goal in the 37th minute as England midfielder Barry smashed a ferocious effort past Jaaskelainen from 20 yards.


Bolton mounted an immediate response and Ivan Klasnic got one back two minutes later when the Croatian met Martin Petrov's drilled low cross with a first-time shot that gave Joe Hart no chance.


City restored their two-goal advantage two minutes into the second half when Bosnian forward Dzeko deftly flicked the ball over Zat Knight and ran clear to drive his shot beyond Jaaskelainen.


But Bolton rarely surrender at home and Kevin Davies put the pressure back on City as he scored with a towering header from Petrov's free-kick in the 63rd minute.


Wolves maintained their 100 percent start to the Premier League season as goals from Kevin Doyle and Matt Jarvis secured a 2-0 win over Fulham.


Mick McCarthy's side had beaten Blackburn in their opener last weekend and they built on that solid victory with an equally impressive display in their first appearance of the campaign in front of their own fans at Molineux.


Fulham were swept aside by two goals in three minutes just before half-time as Republic of Ireland striker Doyle struck first before England winger Jarvis put the hosts in complete control.


At Carrow Road, Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones hit a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw against 10-man Norwich City.


Paul Lambert's newly-promoted team were on course for victory in their first home top-flight match since 2005 when on-loan Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet scored just before half-time.


But although Jon Walters missed a penalty for Stoke after Norwich defender Leon Barnett was sent off in the second half, the FA Cup finalists levelled thanks to Jones' header in the closing moments.


On Saturday, Arsenal's poor start to the season hit a new low as a freak own goal from Aaron Ramsey put Liverpool on course for a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.


That bad break came in the 78th minute, soon after the dismissal of teenage midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong and Luis Suarez added Liverpool's second goal in stoppage time.


Chelsea manager Andres Villas-Boas got his first win as the Blues recovered from Shane Long's early goal to beat West Brom 2-1 thanks to second half strikes from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda.


Aston Villa secured their first victory under new manager Alex McLeish as Blackburn were beaten 3-1, while QPR won 1-0 at Everton.


Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm saved a penalty from Wigan midfielder Ben Watson as the first Premier League game to be played in Wales finished in a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Source: AFP

Source: AFP