We have a problem, admits Mancini

CONSIDERING he thought he had signed for Chelsea when he arrived at Eastlands 18 months ago, Robinho’s career with Manchester City always seemed destined for trouble.

Now, after a bright start to his time with the world’s wealthiest club, the Brazilian forward has scored three times in his last 33 appearances for the club – and not at all this season – with Saturday seeing his spell in English football reach its nadir.

Brought on as an eighth minute substitute for the oft-injured Roque Santa Cruz, Robinho lasted precisely 52 minutes before he himself was substituted for Shaun Wright-Phillips with manager Roberto Mancini desperate to try to breathe life into a team that was losing 2-0 and devoid of character.