Man City v Sunderland reaction

06 October 2012 15:44
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise for his side following the 3-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at the Etihad. Aleksandar Kolarov, Sergio Aguero and James Milner all found the target for City and, after a less than impressive performance mid-week against Borussia Dortmund, a comfortable win was the perfect fillip for the champions. "It was a very good performance," he told Sky Sports 2. "We played very well and took no risks. "To score three goals I am happy for us today. It was not easy, Sunderland are a good team and it was a very difficult game. All players who played today played very well. "Victory is important before the international break and in the last two (league games) we play really well and we are improving." It was City's first clean sheet of the season and centre half Joleon Lescott is hopeful it will be the catalyst for better performances. "We are disappointed defensively this season but we are happy with the clean sheet," he said. "We are looking strong now and since we have come back off the international break we have been playing well." Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was pragmatic as his side lost for the first time in the Premier League this season. "They are a very fine side," he said. "Initially we didn't help matters couldn't keep the ball too well, but we were beaten by a much better side. "I thought we should have done better in the first half period. We had opportunities, but we gave ball away to easily, having said that at half-time we were still in the game but we were well beaten in the second half. "While the game was still 1-0 we were still with a chance but the more you press forward the more gaps you leave and they are more equipped than anyone to deal with that."

Source: team_talk