VMC's Some Might Say: Hand In Goal

As Planet Blue braces itself for a 6 games in 18 days berserker, post match reaction to the 1-1 draw in Staffordshire...

Tony Pulis:

'Looking at the major incidents, we had the run of the ball but I think we deserved it. We worked so hard. We were playing against one of the top teams in Europe. Just look at the players they left out, the ones not even on the bench. It is a phenomenal squad they have got and to cope with a team like that you have to play as one. And that's what we did.

'I'll take that (the handball goal) on the chin. It's lovely for us, a smaller club, getting a decision against a bigger club!'

Roberto Mancini:

'That was not football, it was basketball. It is possible the referee didn't see it because he was behind him but it was incredible. I didn't see it clearly from the bench but I have seen replays afterwards and it is incredible that this wasn't seen.

'It was difficult last year and the season before...but we have taken a point and it is over now. It is normal that top sides don't find it easy coming to Stoke and that isn't going to change this year.

'I thought maybe Edin Dzeko had won it for us at the end but it wasn't to be. Maybe it's better both teams stay at home and take a point next time around and save everyone some money! Each time we have drawn 1-1 and then gone on to win a trophy so I hope it's the same again.'

CITY ON TWATTER:

Javi Garcia:

'difficult match against the Stoke.Great work team.happy to get my 1st goal for the City.dejo foto!Thanks my friends!'

Scott Sinclair:

'Had a great reception today and now looking forward to making my debut for city very soon!'

Vincent Kompany:

'We played well as a team and had many opportunities to win the game. Strong defensive performance from Stoke. On to the next one. #MCFC'

Pablo Zabaleta:

'Well done for the team today vs Stoke C. I think @mcfc deserved more than a point. Congratulations to Javi Garcia for his first goal at City!!'

Sergio Aguero:

'The Britannia is always difficult, although we deserved better luck. Now to focus on Real Madrid. What a nice match on Tuesday, right?'


UPDATED UPCOMING FIXTURES:
all times East Manchester

Tu 18 Sep 19h45 Real Madrid, The Bernabeu, CL
Su 23 Sep 16h00 Arsenal, The Etihad, PL
Tu 25 Sep 19h45 Aston Villa, The Etihad, LC3
Sa 29 Sep 15h00 Fulham, Craven Cottage, PL
We 03 Oct 19h45 Borussia Dortmund, The Etihad, PL
Sa 06 Oct 12h45 Sunderland, The Etihad, PL
Sa 20 Oct 15h00 West Brom, The Hawthorns, PL
We 24 Oct 19h45 Ajax, Amsterdam Arena, CL
Sa 27 Oct 17h30 Swansea City, The Etihad, PL

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