Smooth Man City are a striker light

VAULTING ambition has never been in short supply at Manchester City, but for the first time in years the club’s ever-expectant faithful now have cause for genuine optimism.

The club’s surge under Sven-Goran Eriksson continued here and if the Swede can sign a proven centre-forward during the transfer window, it would be hard to bet against them claiming a Champions League place.

In earning a replay with an accomplished performance at West Ham, Eriksson’s team caught the eye with their clever football — but lacked a potent presence in attack which would surely have made them winners.