So good to see Kompany again

Les Chapman.

MANCHESTER City looked to be back to their best as they cruised to a comfortable Premier League victory at Southampton.

At times it was a joy to watch as the players looked full of confidence and were playing some lovely stuff.

However, I was most pleased to see Vincent Kompany back in the team.

He is such an influential player for City. I think you can see quite clearly how much he has been missed this season as he has had his much-publicised injury problems.

City can be such a different team when he's on the pitch leading everyone.

Southampton are a good side don't forget, but with Kompany on there his presence really does inspire those around him.

It was terrific to see him on the score sheet too.

Boy, how he celebrated when he headed in that goal.

It has been a frustrating spell for him recently, and it looked as though all the emotion came flowing out after that goal went in.

Hopefully he can stay fit for a spell of games now - City supporters will certainly notice the effect he has when he's around.

So attention turns to the FA Cup semi-finals this coming weekend.

People are saying that it's a good time for City to be coming up against Arsenal, but I don't take too much notice of that kind of attitude.

Arsenal are still a great side - as they showed at Middlesbrough on Monday - and the form book usually goes out of the window for these big cup games at Wembley.

City fans should take nothing for granted.

Talking of City fans, I'll be travelling down to Sunday's game with the guys and girls from the Crown pub in Bredbury.

They've got a few coaches of City fans going to Wembley so myself and the cameraman are hooking up with them and we'll do a feature for the City website.

I'm really looking forward to that - but not necessarily having to be meeting up with them all at 6.30am on Sunday!