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.

Small wonder, then, that Eriksson intends to spend more of owner Thaksin Shinawatra’s fortune this month. Asked whether he hoped to add to his squad, the Swede said coyly: “I hope so.”

Eriksson was more forthcoming when discussing his young goalkeeper, Joe Hart. Hart enhanced his growing reputation with good saves from West Ham’s Matthew Etherington and Dean Ashton, and the 20-year-old displayed a level of confidence which belied his age.

Eriksson said: “I have always said that Joe Hart would be picked for England one day. It would be too early to pick him now. But he is getting better and better.

“Hart is very confident. I see him every day in training and matches, and I can see he is good enough to do the job. He is very strong mentally.”

City also had their chances and perhaps should have had a penalty in the first half when Martin Petrov tumbled under a challenge from Anton Ferdinand.

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green saved well twice from Stephen Ireland, and Ireland and Mexican forward Nery Castillo, making his debut, also went close just before half-time. Both managers will be watching with interest as new England boss Fabio Capello assesses the best players in the country before naming his squad for the friendly with Switzerland on February 6.

West Ham’s Alan Curbishley believes Capello would be wise to take a trip to Manchester for the replay next week.

Curbishley said: “With Capello coming in, there is a clean slate. Everyone should be looking and thinking they have a chance.

“Perhaps Capello should have a look at the replay. Matthew Upson is playing very well, and Micah Richards is very strong in defence for City.

“It is an interesting time for everyone connected with England.”

WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 7, Neill 5 (Spector 46, 6), Upson 8, Ferdinand 6, McCartney 6, Pantsil 5, Noble 7, Mullins 6 (Bowyer 75, 5), Etherington 7 (Reid 69, 6), Cole 5, Ashton 6.

Subs Not Used: Collins, Wright.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-1-1): Hart 7, Onouha 6, Dunne 7, Richards 7, Ball 5, Ireland 7 (Etuhu 66, 6), Corluka 7, Hamann 8, Petrov 7, Castillo 7 (Gelson 72, 6), Vassell 5 (Bianchi 79, 6).

Subs Not Used: Garrido, Schmeichel.

REFEREE: Rob Styles (Hampshire) 5: Styles should have given City a penalty when Anton Ferdinand fouled Martin Petrov, and missed a clear handball by Michael Ball. A very poor performance.

MATCH RATING: ***. The lack of goals was due more to good goalkeeping than poor attacking. Both sides had chances, but City looked a better outfit than their hosts.