Rivals fear City’s fortress, says Mancini

Manchester rivals lead table with resounding wins in the Premier League.

MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes rivals are scared to play at Eastlands as his League leaders ended 2011 with a 3-0 victory over Stoke.

Two goals from Sergio Aguero and one from winger Adam Johnson secured a routine three points which mean City have won 17 and drawn one of the 18 league games they have played at home in 2011.

More than that, however, since December 2010 and a defeat against Everton, City have played 29 home games in all competitions, winning 27 of them and drawing twice — against Fulham in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League.

“It’s the same thing that happens against United,” said Mancini. “All teams play with fear and don’t attack because United have been a top team for a very long time. Probably now, against us, some teams have a problem and they play in a different way.”

United count cost of win

Manchester United, meanwhile, kept up their pursuit of leaders Manchester City with a 5-0 victory at Fulham but the three points came at a cost as England duo Phil Jones and Ashley Young were injured.

Both will now miss games over the holiday period and beyond.

Danny Welbeck gave them a fifth-minute lead and Nani made it 2-0 himself just before the half-hour mark. Ryan Giggs continued his remarkable record of having scored in every Premier League season so far with the third just before half-time. Late additions from Wayne Rooney, who fired in an impressive long-range effort, and substitute Dimitar Berbatov via a cheeky back-heel, made the winning margin a convincing one.

Van Persie inspired by record tilt: Wenger

Arsene Wenger admitted Robin van Persie has been given a new lease of life as he attempts to break a Premier League record.

Arsenal manager Wenger believes the Netherlands international does not want to be rested in his mission to score 37 goals in a year. Van Persie took his tally to 34 goals this year with a penalty in the 2-1 victory at Aston Villa and is now only two away from equalling Alan Shearer’s achievement.

“Robin keeps going and of course you always have that question about whether to rest him,” said Wenger. “He played against Manchester City but at the moment he feels alright so I just take a gamble.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2011.