Nervy City survive Trotters test

MANCHESTER CITY’S defensive frailties remain, as do the three costly league and cup defeats Roberto Mancini has collected already in 2010, but as long as Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor remain in the scoring form they demonstrated last night, fourth place and Champions League football is well within their grasp.

With manager Roberto Mancini left in little doubt that his failure to deliver Champions League football will jeopardise his job security come season’s end, these are relatively anxious times for the Italian who has looked unimpressed by recent performances.

Last night, while hardly a vintage showing from his team, City demonstrated that they certainly possess enough firepower to remain in the chase for that coveted top four finish – what would be their first such placing in Premier League history.