Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Opening win pleases Hughes

07 Nov 2008 - 09:08:35

Click To Enlarge

Mark Hughes was pleased with Robinho's performance after the Brazilian starred in Manchester City's 3-2 UEFA Cup victory against FC Twente.

The former Real Madrid star scored a brilliant goal against Steve McClaren's team and also hit the woodwork as he produced one of his best displays since arriving at Eastlands just over two months ago.

It was an important victory for City in their opening group game, particularly as they face a tough trip to play Schake in their next match later this month.

Hughes said: "It was a bit open at times but in fairness that was as a consequence of the way FC Twente played.

"They made the pitch big and they're all comfortable in possession. Their centre-halves want to get on the ball in deep areas, the goalkeeper joins in with his sweet left foot as well.

"They're a good team and we had to work hard to press them and put them under pressure.

"We were able to do that and, at 3-1 up, you think the game's going to be seen out quite comfortably, but credit to them they kept coming back at us and got their second goal through a set-play, which made it a little bit frenetic at the end.

"We created some good chances and Robinho scored one great goal but he could have scored two others and it would have been a fantastic hat-trick once again.

"In the end we're grateful for the win. It's really important that we got a positive result and we're in decent shape for the group now.

"If we can win our next home game in the group stage more often than not six points is enough. It was important to get the first three on the board today."