Source: Man_City
We deserved to win, says Mancini
| Submit Comments| Comments (43)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapRoberto Mancini was delighted with City's team performance at Stoke despite conceding a last minute equaliser. The City boss, who turned 46 yesterday, saw Micah Richards' stunning strike in the 81st minute levelled by a late goal from Matthew Etherington. The point saw them drop further behind rivals United and Arsenal but the Italian insists the Blues are improving. "The season is very long. Every game for every team is difficult. This was a good test for us on a difficult pitch," said Mancini. "I am disappointed with the result because we deserved to win. It was a fantastic performance in the second half. "Richards scored a good goal, he was not 100 per cent but played well and I am happy for him." Mancini was also pleased with Mario Balotelli's contribution after the striker returned from a three-match suspension. "He did well, he did not talk to the referee and that is important," he added. "Mario has only played three games in the league and had two or three chances. We know he will continue to improve." However, Stoke boss Tony Pulis disagreed with assessment that the visitors were the better side. "What game was he watching?" he replied. "But he is entitled to his opinion. That is what this country is all about. "I will leave it to the experts to decide. When you are on top against one of the best teams in the league you have to take your chances. "That was the one thing that let us down today. We need to do better in that respect. "On the whole we played well. You can have all the money in the world and all the top players but you need to be a team. "We played like a team today, as one. It takes a lot of beating, irrespective of who the opposition is and the players they have."
