Classy Milner saves CIty with a screamer

Manchester City’s roving reporter Les Chapman writes every week for Chron Sport

THERE was quite a lot of expectation surrounding Manchester City after the impressive performance at Chelsea - but they didn’t really deliver against Hull.

City ought to be beating a team third-bottom in the table, but for whatever reason it was a laboured performance.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men never really got going and in the end had to rely on James Milner to rescue a point. I hope James stays at City for as long as possible. I know there’s talk of him not yet signing a new contract. I don’t know anything about where City are up to with that, but I do know James would be a sad loss to the squad. He’s a great professional and always gives 100 per cent total commitment.

I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. He scored a great free-kick against Hull. It was unbelievably accurate and gave the goalkeeper no chance.

So it’s Stoke away tomorrow night next and it’s never easy there. A really physical test is in store, the atmosphere is always hostile and ex-City pair Stephen Ireland and manager Mark Hughes will be absolutely determined to do well.