Everton hand City boss Mancini first defeat

Everton handed Roberto Mancini his first defeat as Manchester City manager with an impressive 2-0 victory at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Mancini had won his first four matches after replacing Mark Hughes as City chief last month, but the Italian’s impressive start came to an abrupt halt on Merseyside.

South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar put Everton ahead and France striker Louis Saha’s penalty on the stroke of half-time put the hosts in complete control.

Former Inter Milan coach Mancini was unable to inspire a second half revival and City, chasing a Champions League spot, slipped to fifth in the table – below fourth placed Tottenham on goal difference.

There was more to concern Mancini than just the result as he hauled off Brazil forward Robinho, who had only come on as a first half substitute, following yet another lacklustre display from City’s record signing.

Mancini recalled Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz in place of Zimbabwe’s Benjani Mwaruwari, while Everton boss David Moyes brought in Sylvain Distin and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for Australia defender Lucas Neill, who has agreed to join Galatasaray, and Leon Osman.

But Mancini’s plans were disrupted in the eighth minute when Santa Cruz, who has been troubled by knee problems, limped off and was replaced by Brazil forward Robinho.

City threatened first when Martin Petrov cut in from the flanks and tested Tim Howard with a fierce drive that the American goalkeeper parried away.

Everton, now unbeaten in six matches, were soon into their stride and Bilyaletdinov forced City keeper Shay Given into action with a header from Landon Donovan’s cross.

Donovan, making his home debut after his move from LA Galaxy, came close to scoring himself in the 20th minute when he clipped the ball beyond Given and narrowly wide of the far post.

Bilyaletdinov saw his close-range effort turned over the top by Given as Everton piled on the pressure and Pienaar made the breakthrough in the 36th minute after Pablo Zabaleta’s challenge on Saha.

Pienaar, who scored a sublime goal at Arsenal last week, stepped up and curled the free-kick beyond Given.

Craig Bellamy went close for City before Everton added a second goal in first half stoppage time.

City defender Micah Richards tugged Saha’s shirt and referee Andre Marriner adjudged the foul worthy of a penalty. Saha held his nerve to calmly convert the penalty for his 11th league goal of the season.

Mancini brought on Benjani to give Carlos Tevez more support at half-time but the change had little effect.

With City struggling to establish any momentum, Mancini took out his frustrations on Robinho and substituted the substitute, with Shaun Wright-Phillips coming on in the 62nd minute.

By then Everton were almost home and dry, but they still went in search of a third goal.

Marouane Fellaini got on the end of Pienaar’s corner in the 79th minute and Given reacted superbly to tip his header onto the post.

Then Australia midfielder Tim Cahill almost completed Mancini’s misery as he struck the crossbar.