Pearce makes it a family affair

City's second win of the season had nothing to do, it seems, with the sharpshooting skills of Georgios Samaras or the bustling performances of Miller and Richards. Instead, reports are claiming that the City fans have a cuddly toy called Beanie to thank.

It was noticed during the game that Pearce appeared to have what looked like a cuddly stuffed horse down on the touchline with him. He later sheepishly revealed that his 7 year old daughter Chelsea, who had travelled up from their Berkshire home to watch the match with his wife Liz, had remarked that Beanie would like to sit on the touchline with daddy - and wouldn't take no for an answer. Putting his hardman image at risk Pearce duly complied, explaining to reporters that:

'It's very hard to explain to a seven year old that this is the Premier League and perhaps Beanie would be better off up in the stands with Mummy.'

Given the result of the match Beanie is now being regarded as something of a talisman and a key contributor to City's season. Pearce could later be seen wandering around with Beanie in his trouser pocket (nestling in the spot where his wallet would normally be, apparently) and he wryly commented that:

'The way things have turned out it is now highly likely that Beanie will be travelling to Everton with us next week...'

All hail Blue Beanie.

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