Balotelli back on goal trail

MARIO Balotelli rediscovered his goalscoring touch as reigning champions Manchester City kept pace with rivals Manchester United in the title race.

The Italian hit his first goal in the Barclays Premier League since March to turn an evenly–fought clash against Wigan at the DW Stadium in City’s favour after 69 minutes.
City went on to win 2–0 after substitute James Milner struck a superb second goal three minutes later, before leaving the field injured.

Balotelli had been making his first start in his six games and his first since being dropped by manager Robert Mancini for his attitude in training ahead of the clash with Tottenham earlier this month.

Since then the Italian has been troubled by a back injury and he endured a largely frustrating night in Wigan, including missing a simple header, before his decisive goal.

Ali Al Habsi was unable to hold a low shot from Gareth Barry and Balotelli reacted quickly to smash in the rebound at the second attempt.

Mancini said of Balotelli: “I am very happy for him because he scored his first goal this year. He scored an important goal. I hope he can improve in the next week and the next game.”

City should have had a third when Maicon shot wide, but Wigan’s confident play had troubled City throughout the first hour and they had several good chances to go ahead.