Source: SKY_Sports
Bellamy earns Richards praise
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has hailed Craig Bellamy's ability to 'deliver in crucial situations'.
The Welshman played a starring role in the 4-2 victory over Arsenal at the weekend and scored the goal that took City 2-1 ahead after a period when they had been on the back foot.
Richards, who provided the assist for his team-mate, believes Bellamy has shown time and again that he performs well when it matters.
"Craig worked so hard and was my man of the match against Arsenal," Richards told the Manchester Evening News.
"Every time he is in the team, it seems to work out for us - and he delivers. In crucial situations he puts the ball in the back of the net, and I hope he continues to do that.
"Nigel de Jong also came in, and that shows Mark Hughes isn't just buying for the sake of buying - he has brought in quality."
Bellamy will carry City's main goal threat in the Manchester derby on Sunday with Carlos Tevez, Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz all injured and Emmanuel Adebayor facing a possible suspension.
But Richards insists the performance against Arsenal demonstrated how dangerous City can be from any position.
"On the counter-attack we can score against anyone," he explained. "We have no fear any more, and as long as we keep it tight at the back, we are OK, because we have no problems going forward."
Richards accepts there is still room for improvement as City seek the right balance between attack and defence.
He said: "Attacking-wise we are as good as anyone now, but we conceded two sloppy goals against Arsenal due to lack of concentration.
"Before that we had five clean sheets in a row and I don't want to put a dampener on that, but we need to polish up.
"Concentrating that little bit more is what separates a good team from a top team, so that is what we have to do if we want to reach the top."
