Source: Team_Talk
Allardyce: City can finish fourth
Carlos Tevez's first City hat-trick, plus a sensational effort from Micah Richards were enough to account for the visitors at Eastlands and put the Blues into a position that would secure Champions League combat.[LNB]City still face a battle if owner Sheikh Mansour's stated aim is to be achieved.[LNB]But with so much class at their disposal, and new manager Roberto Mancini already making his side into a more durable defensive unit, Allardyce feels City fans have good reason to be optimistic.[LNB]"There is no reason to think they cannot be in the top four," said the Blackburn boss.[LNB]"When you look at the other sides who usually finish in the top four, it might not be a bad time to do it.[LNB]"Some of the big clubs are not living up to their normal standards.[LNB]"Liverpool and Manchester United are not quite as good as they have been, so an opportunity could be there for Manchester City.[LNB]"They have quite a few injuries themselves and they are still fourth.[LNB]"They have also won four matches on the trot under Roberto Mancini so confidence is bound to grow as well."[LNB]A very unhappy Allardyce was left to reflect on a ninth game without a win and a punishing defeat, which comes just three days before Thursday's Carling Cup semi-final with Aston Villa at Ewood Park.[LNB]"I could not believe what we were doing in the first half," groaned Allardyce.[LNB]"It was a bad night for us and the players did not live up to their regular performances."[LNB]Allardyce also revealed he had received no contact from anyone regarding striker Benni McCarthy, who was pulled out of tonight's defeat with a back spasm.[LNB]"We have not had one bid for him," said the Blackburn boss.[LNB]"Until such time as we get one, we cannot move."[LNB][LNB]
