Tevez wakes City from their sleep

It's advantage the Blues after Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 in last night's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

And it was - so far - sweet revenge for City's inspiration, Carlos Tevez, who scored both their goals to remind United what they could have had if they had chosen to shell out for the Argentinian during the summer. Instead Tevez went to City and his form in the last few weeks has been stupendous.

Last night City were soporific for most of the first half, except for Tevez's insatiable appetite closing United down - but he couldn't do it all on his own.

Ryan Giggs put United ahead after only 17 minutes, but, despite long periods of possession, they didn't increase their lead; there seemed little need, as they were dominating so much.

Then fate took a hand. Craig Bellamy was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by Rafael and referee Mike Dean gave a penalty. TV replays showed that the fould had been committed outside the box, but Dean did not have that benefit. Tevez lashed the penalty down the middle: 1-1.

Now the power was with City. Now United looked a one-man show as Wayne Rooney put in huge efforts to raise his team from their over-confident slumber.

Tevez had the momentum. He headed the winner after 65 minutes as United dozed in defence, and the Reds couldn't find a way back.

It looks set for a tasty second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday