Winning mentality comes to the fore

FERNANDINHO hailed Manchester City’s winning mentality after the Barclays Premier League leaders recovered from a Joe Hart blunder to snatch a late victory over Norwich.

City had appeared to be easing to a routine 1–0 win at the Etihad Stadium when Hart dropped a cross and Cameron Jerome pounced to equalise seven minutes from time.

The hosts, who had previously struggled to break down the Canaries, rallied and grabbed victory with an 89th–minute Yaya Toure penalty after Russell Martin was sent off for handball.

Hart will undoubtedly have been relieved and the England number one responded with a fine save to deny Martin Olsson a second Norwich equaliser in injury time.

City’s performance may not have been their most convincing, but it preserved their status as league leaders – albeit only on goal difference – and midfielder Fernandinho felt it showed much about the squad’s character.

The Brazilian said: “It was emotional at the end. I think you can see, in a good way, we are strong in mentality. I think it is the third game we have won at the end of the game. It makes the team more stronger.



MEANWHILE Vincent Kompany believes it is a “joke” that UEFA is investigating Manchester City over the booing of the Champions League anthem.

City were reported to the European governing body under regulations concerning the “disruption of the competition anthem” after fans jeered during its playing prior to last month’s home game against Sevilla.

City fans have regularly shown their disapproval of UEFA this way over the past year. Fan have had a number of issues with UEFA in the past.

The Belgian defender said: “It’s a joke. We have played many games in Europe where there has been racial abuse and we have had to put up with it.

“This is not justifiable. There is nothing holy about the Champions League anthem. “If people feel chanting the right thing to do, they have the right to do it. How else can they show their frustration and somehow have a voice that matters?”

UEFA will consider the matter at a disciplinary body meeting on November 19 and a charge could follow.