Lescott gaffe puts Hart in tight spot

Man City 3 Everton 1

The England goalkeeper’s poor performance against Bayern Munich last Wednesday hardly showcased City’s defensive prowess so, after only 15 minutes against Everton, Hart scarcely needed team-mate Joleon Lescott to make an appalling error which gifted Romelu Lukaku the opening goal.

It was a strong, and relatively close range shot from the on-loan Chelsea forward but one which Hart managed to get a hand behind in helping it into his goal.

Many — including watching England manager Roy Hodgson — were quick to clear Hart of blame, but it was hard to escape the feeling the Joe Hart of a year ago would have kept out the attempt.

“I think he’s still upset about it. He felt he could have got a stronger hand to it,” said City full-back Pablo Zabaleta.

“Sometimes it is really hard for any player when you are not doing well.

“It is important for him to show his strength of character, he has to show his strong personality and show he is coming back to his best and I’m sure he will do that because he is a great goalkeeper.

“It was definitely an important day for him. Most of the lads saw him a bit down in the week but we need him to come back again to his best.

“Sometimes it happens in football — that’s why it is important that as team-mates we need to support all the players and he knows all the players are behind him.

“We’ve seen him for a long time doing very well and that is why it is strange to see him down.”

Hart himself has declined any comment since the midweek disaster, but after goals from Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero, twice, brought City the three points, the reaction on the final whistle in the goalkeeper’s body language was plain to see. Hart appeared to be saying a silent prayer before exchanging heartfelt hugs with many of his team-mates and coaches as he disappeared down the tunnel.

Although City manager Manuel Pellegrini conceded he came very close to dropping Hart for the Everton game, Hodgson has left no doubt that the City man will start the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland which will decide England’s fate. The England manager, in his role as TV pundit, provided more effective defence for Hart than City players have managed in the last two games, although it was hard not to draw the conclusion that there is little alternative for Hodgson.

“John Ruddy played for us before he got injured, in the Italian game; Butland has played; Forster we like, especially what we have seen of him in the Celtic games and training,” said Hodgson. “But this is a time for experience and a time for people who really know what it’s like to play for England in these situations.”

As for Everton, they had the right to feel hard done by, especially as they failed with one strong penalty appeal, after Matija Nastasic pushed Lukaku, only to see referee Jon Moss award a similar appeal after Seamus Coleman impeded Pablo Zabaleta. Still, there were enough positives for manager Roberto Martinez to take from the game, not least the growing maturity displayed by 19-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley, whom Hodgson has called up for this week’s qualifiers.

Unlike some of his Premier League peers, Martinez has a refreshing attitude towards his young players being handed an opportunity on the international stage.

“I always said I am happy with Ross going with England, it’s a terrific experience,” said Martinez.

“He’s such an exciting character who is going to be representing his country..

“He’s someone that is still growing and developing — but I’m not concerned about him being involved. He brings something different and he can be used.

“Nothing fazes him, you look at the time he was out with injury, fighting to get in the first team, out on loan. You can imagine the challenges he’s faced. Now he’s representing England and being an important player for Everton.”

MANCHESTER CITY: Hart 6; Zabaleta 6, Kompany 6 (Nastasic 33, 5), Lescott 4, Kolarov 6 (Clichy 58, 5); Fernandinho 6, Toure 8; Milner 8, Aguero 6 (Nasri 78), Silva 9; Negredo 8.

EVERTON: Howard 5; Coleman 6, Jagielka 6, Distin 5, Baines 7; Osman 6 (Gibson 62, 5), McCarthy 6; Naismith 9, Barkley 7, Mirallas 7 (Deulofeu 62, 5); Lukaku 8 (Kone 82).

Referee: Jon Moss 4.