Source: Team_Talk
Hart plays down starring role
Joe Hart was modest about his performance after Manchester City started their Premier League season with a 0-0 draw at Tottenham on Saturday. Hart pulled off world-class saves from Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the first half as City survived an onslaught.The 23-year-old got the nod in goal ahead of Shay Given but he refused to dwell on his own display.He told Sky Sports 1: "It was just an enjoyable day, I love playing football."It was just another game I was looking forward to."Of whether he believes he is City's number one goalkeeper, Hart added: "No. Shay Given is the other goalkeeper and I'm sure he'll get chances. We'll be pushing each other, he's a great goalkeeper."While City struggled before half-time, they improved in the second 45 minutes with Shaun Wright-Phillips having the best of his side's chances.Hart said: "We needed to get a result today as a big team. There's been so much speculation about us."We had to dig in in the first half."But we had a few chances and maybe we could have taken them."City manager Roberto Mancini refused to say whether Hart had established himself as the team's number one following his display.Of whether he felt vindicated by the keeper's performance, the Italian said: "The right decision is always after the game for the manager. I am happy because I have two good goalkeepers."I must make a decision and one strong keeper must go on the bench."The former Inter Milan boss also stressed his side would improve once they had had time to play together."We need time. these players played together today and yesterday."Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp acknowledged Hart's impressive display but he also praised his side's "fantastic" performance.He said: "He was in great form, they've got two good keepers and the young kid had a great day today."But I couldn't have asked for more, they (Spurs) were fantastic."When you have to play silly midweek friendlies it tires you out."I think they ran out of a bit of steam but overall I thought it was a great performance from us, we were fantastic but we just couldn't get the two extra points."But if we play like this all season we will be right up there."