Given: Rollicking got us back to winning ways

MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Shay Given has revealed that a heated dressing room discussion led to the team getting back on track.

Given said that a few home truths were dished out after they finished all square with Hull – their seventh successive draw.

The result of the debate between management and players saw City suddenly regain that winning mentality, beating Arsenal in the Carling Cup and then leaders Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League.

Given said: “The odd rollicking never did anyone any harm if you take it in the right way.

“We’re all grown men as well and you have to take criticism when it comes along.

“I think the win over Arsenal was a really big effort from everyone. It was a platform for the Chelsea performance.

“We’ve fought tooth and nail for every ball. Maybe during a couple of the draws we had, we just weren’t all at it.

“We had to address that and we did. We’ve set the bar now and we can’t drop below it.”

Given, who helped the team secure the victory against Chelsea by saving Frank Lampard’s penalty, wants them to maintain their momentum at Bolton on Saturday.

He added: “We got the belief and the confidence from beating Arsenal. It’s amazing in football – when you get a victory, it just gives the whole place a lift.

“I think we brought that into the Chelsea game. We worked our socks off, every single player, and we deserved the three points.”

The victory came at a price, however, as Wayne Bridge is facing a fortnight out with knee ligament damage. Micah Richards also suffered a twisted knee and could be struggling to face Bolton.