Hart benched again by Man City

05 November 2013 19:01

Goalkeeper Joe Hart was again left on the substitutes bench by Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini for the Champions League home game with CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

The England international's form has come under scrutiny after a series of high-profile blunders this season, prompting Pellegrini to drop him for Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of Norwich City in the Premier League.

Hart, 26, found himself on the bench again at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with Romanian second-choice goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon handed another opportunity to deputise.

Speaking before the game, Pellegrini explained that it was important for Hart to "have a rest".

After consecutive group-phase exits in the last two seasons, City can secure a place in the last 16 if they beat CSKA and Bayern Munich avoid defeat at Viktoria Pilsen in the other Group D game.

Source: AFP