Source: Daily_Mail
£200m bonus: Mark Hughes sees instant return on his investment as Manchester City stars shine
The smile on the face of Mark Hughes was priceless as Emmanuel Adebayor got Manchester City's £200million Premier League dream off to the perfect start with a goal after just 145 seconds at Blackburn. [LNB]And as the sighs of relief were heard from the north-west of England to the Middle East, City manager Hughes said: 'This sends a message to all those who wanted us to fail.' [LNB]The pressure on Hughes, who won only two away games last season, was immense after spending yet another £100m of Abu Dhabi riches on new players this summer.[LNB] Dream debut: Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates his goal[LNB] But he had the first and last laugh as Adebayor, signed from Arsenal for £25m, set them on the way and Stephen Ireland wrapped up a 2-0 win in injury-time. [LNB]Hughes said: 'We are delighted to make a statement. There are people who want us to fail and we have been bemused by a few comments made about us. But there are as many who want us to succeed and break into the Big Four. That is what we want eventually. It is a long journey but we are encouraged by what happened.'[LNB] Hughes was happy to give Adebayor the plaudits after he celebrated his City debut with a ferocious third-minute strike. The Togo international was doubtful with a groin injury but Hughes said: 'Ade was excellent. The goal settled him down and his attitude was firstclass. It filtered down to the rest of the team.' [LNB]Delight: Mark Hughes[LNB]Adebayor said: 'It's a fantastic start for me and the team. I am happy to be at a club where the fans are 100 per cent behind me. The fans booed me at Arsenal - here they love me.' [LNB]City fans who packed into Ewood Park in their thousands will expect their team to mount a serious title challenge against Manchester United, who begin today against Birmingham City, and Chelsea, unconvincing 2-1 winners over Hull City yesterday with an injury-time winner from Didier Drogba. [LNB]Hughes has not given up on signing Joleon Lescott from Everton despite two failed bids already and strong words from Everton boss David Moyes, who said he found City's attitude deplorable. [LNB]Hughes hit back last night, saying: 'David feels a little bit aggrieved with the situation. You always are when a big club comes and tries to acquire your better players. The situation is fluid but we respect the final decision is down to Everton. He is their player.' [LNB]Lescott played for Everton against Arsenal last night and was given a good reception by fans despite handing in a transfer request.[LNB] Blackburn 0 Manchester City 2: Emmanuel Adebayor grabs debut goal as Mark Hughes' men burst out of the blocksIt's got to be the Champions League for us: Martin Samuel goes inside Man CityNo class: Moyes raps City boss Hughes as Lescott transfer wrangle escalatesMANCHESTER CITY FC
