Even to cash-rich City, this one is priceless

THEY were words calculated to inspire.

Yet Roberto Mancini’s attempts to whip up Manchester City’s followers ahead of Wednesday’s game by comparing the visit of Tottenham to a Cup final will have been met with groans from the old guard as they made their way home after a spirited comeback victory over Aston Villa.

Mancini was only 16-years-old when Ricky Villa embarked on his famous mazy Wembley run past four City defenders before slotting past Joe Corrigan to win Tottenham the FA Cup in 1981.