Source: team_talk
Garth Barry admits Manchester City were not at best against Swansea City
Gareth Barry welcomed a 'massive three points' for Manchester City after admitting the defending Premier League champions struggled against Swansea City.
The Etihad Stadium outfit failed to create much on Saturday evening but Carlos Tevez won the game to ensure Roberto Mancini's side recorded a victory in response to the disappointment of their midweek UEFA Champions League defeat at Ajax.
Manchester City came from behind to win at West Bromwich Albion last Saturday and Barry said the toll of playing three games in quick succession had been a factor.
"It was a massive three points. Three games in seven days is always tough," the midfielder told ESPN.
"It wasn't a great performance but the manager said at half-time to stay calm and we'd get a goal.
"Carlos came up with the goods."City's win was soured by a knee injury to full-back Micah Richards late in the game.
There were no other players around Richards when he appeared to twist his knee as he turned to try to clear a cross to the far post.
Swansea themselves were dealt an injury blow, with goalkeeper Michel Vorm stretchered off after he dived to try to stop Tevez's winner.
Until that point Swansea had effectively frustrated their hosts and could have gone ahead moments before when Michu aimed a free header straight at Joe Hart.
"To be fair to them, their game plan was good," Barry said. "They sat deep and made it hard for us to get the ball to our forwards."
