Mancini: Missed chances the key

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was left to reflect on missed chances as his side slipped to its first defeat of the season at Sunderland.

Darren Bent's injury–time penalty – the first goal City have conceded this season – claimed all three points for the Black Cats.

But the visitors had earlier passed up a series of opportunities, including one gilt–edged chance for Carlos Tevez, before succumbing at the death.

City were left kicking themselves after Tevez passed up a glorious 16th–minute opportunity to open the scoring after being presented with an open goal by the impressive Yaya Toure.

The Argentinian fired high over with keeper Simon Mignolet beaten, and the visitors went in at the break having failed to make the most of their greater share of the possession.

It was a different story in the second half despite the Black Cats losing striker Fraizer Campbell with suspected knee ligament damage, and although Mignolet had to make a fine late save from substitute Emmanuel Adebayor, the drama came at the other end.

The game was deep into injury–time when Bent was hauled down by Micah Richards as he tried to meet Ahmed Elmohamady's right–wing cross, and referee Mike Dean pointed straight to the spot.

Bent was the calmest man in the stadium as he scuffed his penalty past Joe Hart to claim a famous victory, Sunderland's first over City in the top flight in almost 10 years.




FOOTBALL: THE Carling Cup third round draw has been made, with Manchester City going to West Brom.


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