Wright-Phillips delivers again
Wright-Phillips scored his fourth goal in his second spell for the club following his £9million move from Chelsea in August.
It was just the lift City needed in the 55th minute after Elano had made the breakthrough seven minutes earlier. The visitors from Cyprus pulled a goal back with 12 minutes to go through Rasheed Alabi.
Manager Mark Hughes had called on his team to put this tie to bed early but they took their time to settle against a team unbeaten in their domestic league.
They could have taken the lead inside the second minute when Elano picked out Micah Richards but his header went straight into Antonis Georgallides’ arms.
City manager Mark Hughes believes progressing to the group stages will allow his developing side to improve further. Hughes felt getting through was imperative for a side he is still working on getting the best out of having taken over in the summer.
“It was important for the development of the team that we progressed to the group stage and we have done that,” said Hughes.
“We are pleased. We have a big game at the weekend (against Liverpool) and we can focus on that.
“We have a number of games in Europe now, which we will look forward to.
“The key now is to get a decent draw and see how far we can go.”
Wright-Phillips felt the key period came after the break when the team picked up the pace.
“We just played the tempo we played in the Premier League. We just had to keep going,” he said.
“It (making the group stages) is something fantastic for the club, players and fans.
“We are in a good position now and we have to go out there and play.”
MAN CITY: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Ben-Haim, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Kompany, Elano, Robinho, Jo.
OMONIA NICOSIA: Giorgallides, Ndikumana, Wenzel, Pletsch, Zlogar, Kaiafas, Bangura, Okkas, Charalambous, Aloneftis, Christofi.
Referee: Said Ennjimi (France).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
