In-demand Milner rescues the Blues
Date published: 05 January 2015
MANUEL Pellegrini spoke of his desire to keep James Milner at the Etihad Stadium after watching the midfielder save Manchester City’s blushes in their narrow FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Milner scored his second goal in injury time to send City through to the fourth round with a hard–fought 2–1 win over the Sky Bet Championship side.
City have yet to convince Milner to sign a new deal beyond the summer – when his contract is due to expire – but Pellegrini remains hopeful the England international will stay.
“I hope we will find an arrangement,” said the City boss, “but I think I have already said what I think about James Milner. He is very useful. He always plays with 100 per cent commitment and intensity.”
On Sunday the Owls came close to recording what would have been the shock of the third round.
Stuart Gray’s team far exceeded what was expected of them.
Wednesday took the game to City early, and broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Stevie May squared on the counter to 6ft 6in unit Atdhe Nuhiu, who slotted past Willy Caballero.
City dominated possession, but struggled to test Chris Kirkland until the introduction of Samir Nasri and the excellent David Silva swung the game in their favour.
