Finally!

Liveblog! Just me and a City fan in the bar, but there's WiFi, so I can't complain.

7:59: Carew is in the starting lineup. MON obviously doesn't read this blog. Petrov is also in the starting side. I still don't understand it, but I'm also not paid millions of dollars to lead a soccer team. I like the 4-3-3 formation, though.

8:01: Kickoff.

8:01:10: Nigel Reo-Coker already commits a foul. That boy doesn't learn.

8:03: New permanent Villa keeper Scott Carson. Damn, that sounds good.

8:05: City are dominating. We've barely played in their half yet.

8:07: Another free kick. Is it just me, or do City have loads of space with every touch?

8:09: City's keeper actually had to touch the ball! Crazy!

8:09:30: Carew has Ashley Young all alone, but double teams are never fun. Just ask your mom. Sorry, had to say it.

8:10: LIAM RIDGEWELL WITH AN OWN GOAL! Guess he still bleeds claret and blue. You can't argue with your subconscious.

8:12: Phenomenal series of passes from City but headed out at the last second by Bouma. I like him as long as he's not trying to push up and send crosses.

8:13: ManU fan enters the bar. I have no sharp objects on me.

8:16: The announcers mention the financial disparity between City and Villa, giving Ashley Young as an example. They acted like we were Manchester United.

8:17: Yellow card for Barry.

8:18: Barry intercepts a pass and sends a fantastic ball through for Carew...but no luck.

8:19: See, I told you, Bouma is not the one you want sending in crosses.

8:21: Djourou is down for City. He's faking, obviously.

8:22: Guinnesses all around. Have to give the bartender reason to open up this early again in the future.

8:25: Olof, please bring the scary beard back.

8:28: How does Barry thread those long passes?

8:32: City are terrible...as they should be.

8:33: And De Ridder gets a yellow card for diving in the box. What a cheater. Well done, Steve Bennett.

8:35: De Ridder almost deserved a second yellow for taking down Young from behind.

8:36: Barry just keeps his head down as the City scum berate him. You stay classy, Gareth Barry.

8:38: Carew just blasts one wide. I think he's a bit rusty, but that header he just flicked to Young was nice. Too bad Ashley was offside.

8:39: Young and Nafti getting into it. Good to see some fire in the derby even though City haven't been in the Premier League for a few years.

8:40: Barry joins the City wall to give Young a hole in the wall...so of course Young's free kick hits Barry dead on.

8:42: Petrov makes an appearance. Shot on goal is blocked, but it's nice of him to join.

8:44: How do City beat anyone with such terrible touches in the box?

8:44: 20: Gabby with space in the box...right at Taylor. Use the left foot!

8:45: City on the counter, but shot wide. I can't help but be worried when I see the opponent down there, but since it's City maybe I'm overreacting.

8:47: Guinness is like drinking coffee in the morning, right?

8:48: Young impeded in the box, but no call.

8:49: Halftime. 1-0 Villa in MON's 50th Premier League game. A hard-fought match thus far. Back soon for the second half. Up the Villa!