Hughes looking to make a mark

Man City 2, Chelsea 1

Manchester City have mastered the art of dealing with the Premier League’s big fish – now Mark Hughes must turn his attention to the smaller fry.

After a run of seven successive draws had raised fresh questions over Hughes’ ability to turn the Abu Dhabi millions into a winning football team, City can now look to the future with confidence once more.

Beating an essentially second string Arsenal side last Wednesday not only maintained interest in the Carling Cup – and set up a mouth–watering last four clash with Manchester United – it also provided a timely boost to flagging morale.

The 2–1 defeat of Chelsea at Eastlands confirmed the early-season view that City can be a force without necessarily taking another plunge into the transfer market.

Had it not been for Michael Owen’s goal in the sixth minute of injury time at Old Trafford in September, the Blues would be unbeaten against the big four this term.

As it is, they have collected seven points, exactly the same number as that run of draws produced against the likes of Hull, Burnley, Fulham and Birmingham.

“We know what it takes to win against the bigger sides,” reflected Hughes.

“Once we get the knowledge of how to beat the lesser sides we will be okay.”

The test will come next Saturday when City visit the Reebok Stadium to face a Bolton side that have slipped into the relegation zone against a backdrop of supporter unrest.

After what has just gone, Hughes knows it would be a major disappointment if his side were to falter once more.