Tevez celebrates in style

Manchester City coach David Platt has admitted to a slight sense of disappointment that City only beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 on Saturday.

Argentinean ace Carlos Tevez celebrated his 27th birthday with a hat-trick in the first half, but the hosts were found wanting after the break and failed to add to their tally.

Platt, filling in for manager Roberto Mancini after the Italian lost his voice on the sideline, admitted to being frustrated by the goal-less second half.

“I think you come off at full-time disappointed that we have not gone on and gotten more goals, and not played as we have done in the first half,” Platt said.

“It was one of those where we didn’t need half-time as you know there will be a reaction (from West Brom).”

“Even though you try and get more of a message over to the players – you can tell them all the cliches like it is 0-0 again and goal difference is important – there is human nature.”

“All of a sudden you take that five per cent off, and coupled with their reaction you get that.”

“There is a little disappointment, but game value is three points and that is what we have got.”

“Three points is the main thing. A clean sheet is a bonus and it is important for the defenders, for (goalkeeper) Joe Hart, and that helps the team.”

“But when you come in at half-time and see what happened at St James you would rather be in our dressing room,” he added, referring to Arsenal’s stunning capitulation at Newcastle.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo rued two early penalties that gifted City their lead, and a loss that leaves West Brom just two points above the relegation zone.

“It is difficult as it is anyway, but when you gift them goals it is very difficult,” Di Matteo said.

“They have world-class players and are difficult to mark, but the first goal wasn’t down to movement and the third one too.”

“We need to show togetherness and fight for the cause, and not forget what our strength is.”

“We have a home game coming (against West Ham United) so we just need a win to get ourselves going again.”

“We have got to keep ourselves positive that we can win games and keep going, there are a lot of clubs involved and it is very tight.”