Ireland hails ‘greatest moment’

THIS has been a particularly turbulent time in the always eventful life of Stephen Ireland but, for now at least, the midfielder is cutting an unusually contented figure.

Ireland claimed his stunning winning goal on Saturday — volleyed, first-time, from the edge of the penalty area deep into stoppage time — was his “greatest moment” in football. After so many low points this season, from faked stories of dead grandmothers, to widespread analysis of his psychological demons and the stalling of his international career, this was a welcome relief.

“It was a great goal from Stephen,” Sven-Goran Eriksson, the City manager, said. “He is playing better and better, which is fantastic. Stephen is young, talented and has a long career in front of him.”

Ireland’s glorious goal not only capped a stunning individual performance, one of many he has delivered for his club this season, but also extended City’s 100% home record, a unique feat among Premier League clubs.

City are still considered dark horses for a place in next season’s Champions League, but Eriksson believes their hunger to succeed can drive the club onwards and upwards. “Of course you need a little bit of luck, but the players worked hard until the end and got their reward. The spirit is good.”

Nowhere is that hunger more evident than in the work ethic of Brazil playmaker Elano.

Just three days after playing for his country in Sao Paolo he was back wearing City’s colours. Elano eventually succumbed to a knock and fatigue after working hard to create openings for his team-mates.

He does not take life in the Premier League for granted, either, because of his background.

“We were very poor and did not have money to buy boots, ” he said.

“I used to hang around older players, who would hand over their worn boots.

“My father was one of the main figures in life, and despite having no money he supported me all the way.

“You have to be dedicated and really apply yourself.”

City took the lead through Martin Petrov in the 10th minute when Elano’s effort came back off the post, and the rebound from Emile Mpenza was blocked.

Reading equalised through a sweet finish from James Harper three minutes from half time.

They looked to have secured a point until stoppage time when Geovanni sent a shot high over the bar from 10 yards before Ireland smashed the winner.

This was another familiar story of frustration for Reading, who have been woeful on their travels this season, and they were fortunate to avoid finishing the game with 10 men after Stephen Hunt planted his studs into Gelson’s leg with a horrific challenge. The Irish winger was booked, but such incidents do his reputation no favours.

In general, though, manager Steve Coppell was pleased with the way his side went about their business.

He said: “I thought we did enough to get a draw. It was painful for us.

“The winner came from a big ball over the top but we were far more competitive than we have been in a number of away games.”

MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-1-1): Isaksson 6, Corluka 6 (Jihai 43, 6), Richards 6, Dunne 7, Garrido 6, Gelson 8, Hamann 7, Ireland 8, Petrov 7, Elano 5 (Geovanni 58, 6), Mpenza 5 (Samaras 46, 5).

Subs Not Used: Hart, Ball.

Reading: Booked: Hunt, Long. Goals: Harper 43. Att: 43,813 Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

READING (4-4-2): Hahnemann 6, Murty 6, Sonko 7, Ingimarsson 6, Shorey 7, Hunt 5, Gunnarsson 6, Harper 7, Convey 6, Doyle 7 (Long 85, 5), Kitson 6.

Subs Not Used: Federici, Oster, Fae, Bikey.

REFEREE: Steve Tanner (Somerset) 5: Somehow decided Stephen Hunt’s stomach-turning lunge on Gelson was worth a yellow card — it should have been red.

MATCH RATING: ** Not one of City’s better days, but nobody around Eastlands can argue with a 100% home record.