True Blue Grit

If ever a result encapsulated Manchester City's renaissance under Sven-Goran Eriksson's leadership, then this was surely it...

To a man, City met Bolton's undoubtedly dogged, experienced and resilient team head on. City went toe to toe with them today and exposed their frail defence.

This was a real team performance in every sense of the word.

What will have thrilled Blues worldwide was the way the team fought back from a goal behind at half time to take control and finally slay a Bolton side who looked increasingly disjointed after just about bossing the majority of the first half.

Svennis's introduction of Etuhu at half time and the subsequent change to a 4-4-2 formation was something of a managerial masterstroke as the Blues began to attack in waves. In the end a 6-2 er would not have been unjust.

I sense another shrewd Iceman move in his handling of Bianchi. He's kept the lad on a leash since the opening day of the season and the lad's hunger shows. If he can reign in the offsides, we could be on to a match winner here.

So City continue to confound their critics who will be dumbfounded at their inability to say 'I told you so' by mid December.

The squad's reinforcements are now only two to three weeks away. If General Eriksson can keep this side's belief and spirit strong, then there is no reason why we can't make New Year's Day handily placed for the big push over the top.

Now bring on Tottenham Hostpur at Fortress Eastlands and a myriad of Cup scores to settle!