Slack defending costly as Cardiff stun City

MANUEL Pellegrini refused to apportion blame after seeing defensive errors condemn his Manchester City side to a 3–2 defeat by Premier League new boys Cardiff.

Pellegrini’s City reign had got off to the perfect start with a 4–0 thumping of Newcastle, and they looked set to make it two out of two when Edin Dzeko’s superb drive put them 1–0 up early in the second half at Cardiff City Stadium.

But their resilient hosts hit back as Aron Gunnarsson tapped in from close range before Fraizer Campbell lost Pablo Zabaleta twice from corners to head home and spark scenes of delirium in south Wales.

Alvaro Negredo got a goal back for City in stoppage-time, and spurned a last–gasp chance to grab an equaliser, but it was not enough as Pellegrini was given a rude awakening.

In addition to Zabaleta’s losing of Campbell for the striker’s critical double, further scrutiny will fall on Joe Hart. The England keeper hesitated as he tried to decide whether to come and claim the first corner, eventually failing to get contact as the ball flew over him on to Campbell’s head.

Joleon Lescott and Javi Garcia, standing in for the injured Vincent Kompany, also endured a torrid afternoon in the centre of defence.

But Pellegrini would not single out any player for criticism, in contrast to his predecessor Roberto Mancini.

“When we scored the first goal I thought it would be easier for us as we were playing a team defending with 10 players inside their box.

“It was very difficult for us and I think while we did not do a very good match we did not play badly.”