City not at their best, admits Mancini

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admitted Wolves caused his side problems at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday.

Mancini’s side were leading 4-1 midway through the second half but faced some nervy moments before the final whistle as they clung on to a 4-3 victory that sent them to the top of the Premier League table.

Mancini admitted his side were not at the peak of their game and paid credit to Wolves afterwards.

“I thought it was a difficult game, I told them that before the game, we played so slow in the first 20 minutes,” Mancini said.

“Wolves played well, pressed high and we had problems, then in the last 15 minutes and in the second half we played really well. Then we lost our concentration in the last 10 minutes as we thought it was finished.”

“We must improve, when you are 4-1 up after 71 minutes, you should finish that but we lost our concentration and every game you must play 90 minutes.”

The match marked the City debut of new striker Edin Dzeko, who cost the club 27 million pounds, and although the Bosnian forward failed to open his account he impressed his new boss.

“I think he played well, it was his first game after 40 days,” he said.

“It was his first game in the team, he obviously needs to improve and work but he showed he is a good player.”

Mancini praised the ‘fantastic’ Carlos Tevez, who scored a double, but maintained he would not be getting carried away despite his side topping the league.

“If today the league finished, then good, but we are happy for our supporters because they deserve to have this. But the season is very long and we must improve because we can do mistakes like we saw today in the last 10 minutes.”

“It was important that we win this game, the other situations are not important as the season is so long.”

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy admitted he was disappointed his side lost but was proud of the fight they showed.

“I am sat here disappointed we have lost,” McCarthy said.

“I think most teams would have laid down at 4-1 down, but they didn’t and I think that shows what spirit the lads have got, big hearts and they don’t give up.”

With the score locked at 1-1, Tevez produced a goal of individual brilliance to send the match City’s way and McCarthy was full of praise for the Argentine afterwards.

“I know everyone will want me to criticise defenders, but he runs at you and has quick feet and at some stage you just have to say it was a great goal,” he said.