Gutsy City ready for Boxing Day crunch

JAMES Milner praised Manchester City’s character after they fought off a Fulham fightback to stay firmly on Liverpool’s heels ahead of the Boxing Day showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

Midfielder Milner netted City’s fourth in the 4–2 win at Craven Cottage as the visitors responded from seeing their 2–0 lead evaporate before going up a gear to triumph and sit one point behind leaders Liverpool.

“When they got two back we really had to dig in,” Milner said.

“To come back again and show the character to kick on and get the two goals was pleasing.

“It’s a good start to the festive period. A lot of games coming up, but if we can keep that desire and that will to win up, that will get you most of the way.”

City were coasting at half–time courtesy of Yaya Toure’s excellent free–kick and Vincent Kompany’s goal, but Kieran Richardson pulled one back early in the second half before City captain Kompany spectacularly sliced into his own net.

Jesus Navas restored the visitors’ advantage before his fellow substitute Milner converted a cross from Alvaro Negredo to seal victory and kill off any Fulham hopes of a reply.

It was City’s third away win from nine games this season, a statistic which contrasts starkly with their 100 per cent home record from eight matches.