Source: Team_Talk
Eastlands debut delights Milner
James Milner was just glad to finally be on the pitch on Monday after being in the spotlight during his protracted move to Manchester City.[LNB] The England midfielder completed his transfer from Aston Villa last week, with Stephen Ireland going in the opposite direction.[LNB]Milner denied he felt nerves ahead of the Premier League clash at Eastlands against Liverpool, which City went on to win 3-0 with him setting up the first goal for Gareth Barry.[LNB]Milner told Sky Sports 1: "Not really - I was just glad to get out there and play.[LNB]"Luckily I was selected. It's always tough against Liverpool - but we got three goals and a clean sheet."[LNB]Of the game, Milner added: "They didn't cause us too many problems in the first half, then they came out in the second half.[LNB]"The club is moving forward, they've signed a lot of great players.[LNB]"There is great competition which is healthy for any team so hopefully we can build on this."[LNB]Micah Richards insisted he was going to claim the second goal although Carlos Tevez would dispute that.[LNB]"It's definitely mine, I am definitely claiming it," said Richards.[LNB]"He had a fantastic game and wanted to cap it off with a goal but he has got the penalty so I am having that."[LNB]Of Milner, he added: "You work hard, you get a chance."[LNB]City manager Mancini refused to be drawn on whether his side are Premier League contenders.[LNB]"I don't know this," Mancini said. "I think it's important to improve game after game, we need to gel. We need the time to become a strong squad."[LNB]Of his side's performance, he added: "It was a fantastic night for Manchester City and I am very happy.[LNB]"It's very important, the mentality."[LNB]The Eastlands club started the game with Joe Hart in goal and Shay Given on the bench, and Mancini hopes Given will agree to stay and fight for his place.[LNB]The Italian said: "I hope he can remain here because Shay is a good man and a good goalkeeper.[LNB]"I respect his decision."[LNB]Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson refused to be concerned at the start to the season which sees the Anfield side having claimed just one point.[LNB]"We are only two matches into the season. We had Arsenal in the first game which we had to play with 10 men (after Joe Cole's sending-off) and then a strong Manchester City side," he told Sky Sports.[LNB]"It's a bit premature to start discussing how big the match is.[LNB]"Hopefully in the next 36 games we can take some points."[LNB]The former Fulham boss added: "We were a bit unlucky to get beaten so heavily.[LNB]"I thought we had one or two good spells in the game.[LNB]"We stuck at it and we were a bit unlucky not to get one back when Hart made an incredible double save.[LNB]"We lacked a cutting edge and the organisation I would have liked."
