Tevez brace helps Man City see off Liverpool 3-0

Carlos Tevez claimed two second-half goals as a confident Manchester City overwhelmed Liverpool 3-0 to underline their Premier League title credentials on Monday.

With billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan given a standing ovation by the fans before watching his first home game, big-spending City provided plenty for him to savour on a rainy evening at Eastlands.

Newly-signed England midfielder James Milner enjoyed an impressive debut, setting up the 13th minute opener by surging into the box and stroking the ball back for former Aston Villa teammate Gareth Barry to side-foot home.

Tevez made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute, claiming a classic poacher's goal from point-blank range after seemingly adding the final touch to a powerful Micah Richards header.

There was no doubt about the third, with the Argentine striker calmly slotting home from the penalty spot in the 68th after Adam Johnson was felled in the box by Martin Skrtel.

City, who have spent more than 100 million pounds ($155.9 million) on players since they finished fifth last season, moved up to fourth overall after beating Liverpool for the first time since 2005.

It was their best league result against the once-mighty visitors in 73 years.

Champions Chelsea, who thrashed Wigan Athletic 6-0 on Saturday, have a maximum six points from two games with Arsenal second on four after crushing Blackpool by the same scoreline.

Liverpool were without unsettled Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is linked to Spanish champions Barcelona, and the suspended Joe Cole but had Spanish striker Fernando Torres making his first start of the season.