Source: Eurosport
Hughes: Robinho a joy to watch
Brazil schemer Robinho is having "a great season" according to the man who bought him, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes.
Hughes has defended the club's record buy after he re-discovered his scoring touch in the 4-2 victory against West Brom on Sunday.
It was the former Real Madrid star's first goal in 12 Premier League games and his first this year.
During that barren spell, Robinho's attitude and commitment to the side was questioned but Hughes continues to back the £32.5million summer signing after he took his tally to 13 goals for the season.
"We are delighted for him that he is scoring again. He's had a great season, " Hughes told the BBC.
"Robby has had criticism on occasions but when he has an effect on games, he is a joy to watch.
"He is another guy who put in a big stint against West Brom and showed a lot of commitment. The goal was his reward."
It was just the result Hughes was looking for after they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Hamburg in midweek.
City had to dig in and goals from Elano (penalty) and substitute Daniel Sturridge sealed the victory which leaves them with an outside chance of seventh place and a Europa League slot.
Northern Ireland winger Chris Brunt dragged West Brom level temporarily with a brace after Robinho and Nedum Onuoha found the target in the first 20 minutes.
Hughes said: "That's the way we play our football. We've got attack-minded players, so at times it's open and opposition players will have opportunities.
"What you have to do is try and keep that to a minimum and, going the other way, convert your chances."
It was City's 51st match of a season which began back in July and Hughes added: "We had a lot of players out on their feet. That's to be expected, given the emotions and the amount of energy expended against Hamburg.
"The demands on the players have increased this season and it is a learning experience for everyone. We are still in a transitional period and occasionally we will disappoint ourselves and disappoint other people."
West Brom are without a win in 11 games and nine points from safety with only five matches remaining and Brunt was left with mixed emotions.
He said: "I've had a good run of games in the second half of the season and I like to think I've repaid the manager (Tony Mowbray) by chipping in with a few goals.
"I enjoy set-pieces and I've put a few away too, but it's all been in vain. When results don't go too well it's disappointing.
"We probably should have been out of sight before Robinho scored their first.
"It is the story of our season once again. We got ourselves into a good position and threw it away."
