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

With billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] midfielder James Milner [ Images ] enjoyed an impressive debut, setting up the 13th minute opener by surging into the box and stroking the ball back for former Aston Villa [ Images ] teammate Gareth Barry [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] was felled in the box by Martin Skrtel [ Images ].

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 [ Images ] second on four after crushing Blackpool by the same scoreline.

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