Efficient City regain top spot with Villa win
ASTON VILLA (0) vs MANCHESTER CITY (1)
Lescott’s winner sees Mancini’s men leapfrog rivals Man United and manager reveals their title tilt could be boosted by the return of disgraced striker Tevez
MANCHESTER CITY climbed back to the top of the Premier League yesterday following victory at Villa Park and their bid for the title could yet be aided by the return of exiled striker Carlos Tevez, according their manager Roberto Mancini.
Despite enjoying the bulk of possession City struggled to carve out many clear cut chances against unambitious opponents, who eventually cracked midway through the second half when Joleon Lescott turned home Gareth Barry’s knock-down.
The goals have dried up for City of late, particularly on their travels, and with Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero struggling to reproduce their prolific early season form, Tevez’s potential return from a four-month absence could provide fresh impetus.
The former Manchester United striker failed to agree a move away from the club in January and Mancini is now willing to contemplate the Argentine playing a part in the run-in, despite saying Tevez would never play for him again after he refused to warm-up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich back in September.
Asked about the prospect of Tevez returning to Manchester this week, Mancini said: “I don’t know. I hope so, yes.
“I don’t have any problem and the club doesn’t have any problem. Finish. It’s up to him. Carlos knows everything, he knows the situation.
“I spoke with Carlos one week after Munich. He knows everything. We are here. We’ve not changed these past few months and Carlos knows that. He is a City player.”
Mancini has made it clear, however, that he fully expects Tevez, who has been fined around £9.3m and was found guilty of gross misconduct by the club, to say sorry, adding; “This is normal. Then after Carlos can play, as long as his condition is good.”
Adam Johnson struck a post in the first half with a fizzing low drive from the edge of the penalty area but Shay Given, playing against his former side, was largely untroubled until Lescott pounced in the 63rd minute.
City survived a late onslaught thanks to goalkeeper Joe Hart who kept out Darren Bent’s dextrous volley with a smart reaction save.
MATCH ANALYSIS
JAMES GOLDMAN
KEY MOMENT
Having failed to add to Lescott’s 63rd minute goal City were forced to dig deep to protect their lead against a side who only really gambled with five minutes left. Villa’s conservatism would have paid off, however, had Hart not prevented his England team-mate Darren Bent with a smart reflex stop.
DUGOUT VIEW
“I’m not sure what is going to happen with the Richard Dunne, whether he is going to go to hospital tonight or whatever, or what they do when a shoulder is dislocated, whether they stick it back in. I can’t give you an answer just now, but I do believe he is going to be out for at least a month, so that’s serious enough.”
– Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish
TALKING POINT
City have scored just four times in their last seven away league games so there is an obvious need for a striker of Tevez’s class, but bringing him out of exile has potential repercussions for the team spirit Mancini has workd so hard to create.