Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

Vassell stings Villa again

30 Nov 2006 - 10:25:33

Click To Enlarge

Manchester City forward Darius Vassell won special mention from manager Stuart Pearce after again making a goalscoring return to former club Aston Villa.

Vassell has netted five times in five games for the Citizens against Villa following his £2million switch in the summer of 2005, with his latest effort helping City to a 3-1 win at Villa Park.

"Obviously going back to his old club gives Darius a bit of a lift," Pearce commented.

"There is no doubt about that. I think he loves Villa. He had great times at Villa, but he enjoys coming back and putting on a show.

"He has done that every time we have played them and credit to him.

"I am asking him to play out of position on the left-hand side of midfield, but the work he did attacking and defensively was fantastic for the team.

"It isn't his best position, but there's not been one moment where he has turned around to me and said 'I don't want to do this role'.

"We were disappointed when we lost Darius for the early part of the season because of a knee injury. Now he is back and doing well."

In total, Vassell has netted 11 goals in 51 appearances for City.