VMC's Some Might Say: Blues Maintain Challenge

Manchester City refuse to go away despite the carpings of a legion of anti-City propagandists. Post Match Reaction to City's thirteenth Premier League victory this season...

Roberto Mancini:

'What disappointed me was conceding two goals, two stupid goals in ten minutes to let Wolves back in the game and we can't do that. We can improve because although we played good football in the second half, we had some problems at the back and shouldn`t concede three goals at home.

'...I was happy from 30 minutes onwards - and until the last ten minutes. I'm happy we have gone top - whether it's for one hour or one day it doesn't matter - what is important is that we won this difficult game.'

The City boss was delighted with Edin Dzeko's important contribution:

'He played very well for his first game, especially as he has only been with us a week and only recently returned from a winter break. He will get better as he gets used to his new team-mates and I think he will do well alongside Carlos and Mario Balotelli.'

Mick McCarthy:

Big Mick made no excuses and doffed his cap to City's 44 goal talisman Carlos Tevez:

'I thought we played really well. But we lost because they have that little Argentinian with great feet who has waltzed through our back four. Tevez got a lucky ricochet and the ball fell in his path. After that it was a brilliant goal. I know everyone wants me to criticise defenders. But he runs at you, he gets in the box, he has quick feet. At some stage you have to say it was a great goal.

'I am disappointed we have lost. But most teams would have laid down and had their backsides slapped at 4-1 down. It just shows what spirit the lads have got. There were a few squeaky bums when five minutes injury-time went up. I was getting a lot of abuse at 4-1. At 4-3 with five extra minutes I thought they had all left!'

Edin Dzeko:

'I was nervous because it was my debut but we won the game and that was important for us. I had a break and this is just one game in 25 days for me. I need a few games and I will be ready for anything. It was my first game and we scored four goals. If we can win games like this I will be happy!'

IN THE VMC FORUMS:

PhillyBlueMoon:

'Inspired comeback and great to hold on. A bottled clearance lead to their first goal, a penalty for their second, and a ball that was (maybe) over the line for their third. Luckiest three goals against us all season. Doesn't matter, it's still three points in the bag and we're top of the league.'

robinwho?:

'Good 3 points - great entertainment and great debut from Dzeko! Don't like zonal marking - either it doesn't work or we don't have the players to do it!'

neverstops:

'Entertaining stuff from cartilos,Mancini needs to tighten up our defense.Today's Good news,' silva is back '.Title race is on, and our silent neighbours must be saying City could win the title this time.'

belfastblue:

'At 4-1 and cruisin... Lescott, ffs just stand him up could have been 6 at that point...stupid, stupid pen and then they had the opportunity to get back in it!'

Hosko:

'Attack with Dzeko looked very good but our defending was atrocious. Maybe not in January but surely in the summer we need a partner for Kompany. The combinations with Kolo and Lescott were terrible.'

pacific_ocean_blue:

'Once we got into our stride we were brilliant going forward but left the backdoor open some and the final whistle was indeed welcome.'

CITY IN THE FA CUP ON VMC :

Head for the VMC Match Day Experience Forum for the build up and beyond to Tuesday night's important FA Cup replay showdown with Svennis and Leicester.

Vital Man City on:

Vital Man City on:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.