Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

Sven upbeat after defeat

26 Aug 2007 - 08:56:54

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Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson refused to be too downcast after seeing his side's 100 per cent start to the season ended by a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

A late Cesc Fabregas strike sent City crashing to defeat at the Emirates Stadium, but former England coach Eriksson cut a calm figure after the reverse.

He said: "It is tough to lose but I think we played better than against Manchester United.

"I am rather happy - we worked hard, we stood up to Arsenal when they moved the ball around, as they are famous for, but we also played some good football.

"I am disappointed we lost, but we created some good opportunities.

"We shouldn't put our heads down, life goes on. The boys did a great job even though we lost.

"I'm very positive about the future. You have to accept in the Premier League you don't win every game.

"It is not good to lose, but it was good to come here and feel you can keep up with Arsenal."

Eriksson also added special praise for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who saved a Robin van Persie penalty before conceding his first goal of the campaign.

"After I saw Schmeichel the first time, I said that we would only get a new goalkeeper if we found a new Petr Cech or someone like that," said the City boss.

"The way he is playing at the moment, we could ask no more from him.

"I don't think he could do much about the goal, he saved the penalty and even though he is not the biggest keeper, he has a presence. He is very brave as well."