United in pole now, says Kidd

MANCHESTER CITY assistant manager Brian Kidd has reiterated his belief that the title is Manchester United’s to lose after the Blues’ weekend setback.

But Kidd is confident City will respond in the right manner and keep their season on track.

He said: “United are going very well. They are undefeated. I always thought it was United’s title to lose many weeks ago.

“But this is only a blip. It is already history and we will put it behind us.

“We didn’t show enough urgency in the first half but in the second period it was a different story.

“We put Villa under severe pressure and full credit to them for a great defensive performance.”

Kidd added: “Our aim at the beginning of this season was to get in the top four. We lost at Everton and responded very well and I’m sure we will respond in the right fashion in the coming games.”

Gerard Houllier was beaming after his side’s win and heaped praise on Darren Bent: “The finish was that of a natural-born finisher, something you cannot teach somebody. That is what he is here for, to score goals.

“Roberto Mancini told me before the game that I’d signed a great player and that is a tremendous start for him.”

England coach Fabio Capello saw Bent score after Joe Hart had parried a shot from Ashley Young.

Houllier continued: “I thought the boy handled the pressure very well.

“He had settled in well during the week, knows a lot of players from the international scene, and I felt he was ready to play.”