Given calls for player power

Chelsea 2, Manchester City 4

Shay Given has urged his Machester City team–mates to take some responsibility for a top-four place this season — rather than putting everything on manager Roberto Mancini’s shoulders.

After two wins in eight games, culminating in the FA Cup exit at Stoke, Mancini’s position was starting to come under scrutiny.

The response was spectacular, as City romped to a 4–2 victory over Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to once more re–establish themselves at the head of the scrap for a Champions League place.

After growing rumours of discontent at Mancini’s training methods, Given claimed it was time the players started to stand up.

“At a big club, when results don’t go your way, everyone looks at the manager,” said Given. “But players have to look in the mirror. It is the players who cross the white line. They have to stand up to the challenge.”

Given doesn’t feel that lingering uncertainty over Mancini’s training methods are any excuse for under–par performances.

“Every manager has different methods. You get used to them,” he said.

“We are working on different things and both he and the team deserve a pat on the back for going to a very difficult place and getting a positive result.”

Saturday represented City’s first win at Chelsea since 1993; they have beaten Manchester United once at Old Trafford since 1974, and won once at Anfield in 29 years. Arsenal haven’t been beaten in London since 1975.

“If we are going to get into the top four, we have to get used to winning at places like Chelsea and Liverpool,” said Mancini.

Tottenham’s continued participation in the FA Cup means City now have a weekend off, allowing Mancini to give his players a short break before they return for the final push.