Manchester City 1 Tottenham 0- Ian Ladymans match verdict

Last updated : 11 May 2011 By Daily Mail

This was supposed to be the game that decided who would claim fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying place.

But judging by the empty blue seats in the away end, it appeared that Tottenham's fans hadlost a little of their belief.

Whether it was the disappointing home drawwith Blackpool on Saturday that had sapped their enthusiasm or the trips in Europe this season that had emptied their wallets, manyhad clearly decided to stay at home.

Welcome back Micah

The career of Micah Richards has not gone particularly smoothly since Chelsea did their best to lure him from Manchester City several summers ago.

Some say the England defender has spent too much time on the weight machines while former Cityboss Mark Hughes felt he lacked discipline and football intelligence.

However, the right back's return from injury was welcomed enthusiastically by City fans, an indication of the progress he has made this season. All City need to do now is give him a new contract..

Striker light

For all Tottenham's ability to play attacking football, manager Harry Redknapp has still not found himself a centre forward upon whom he can rely for a regular stream of goals.

While City captain Carlos Tevez is one short of 20 league goals, Tottenham's leading goalscorer is a midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart, with 12.

Boss Redknapp has been scouring the market for another addition to his front line and has recently been linked with Espanyol forward Dani Osvaldo as revealed by Sportsmail.

Not so Super Mario

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini spoke glowingly of controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli in an interview published in Italy yesterday, saying he was a 'sure bet' for next season despite his troubles during this campaign.

However, it is understood that Balotelli's dreadful showing as a substitute at Everton on Saturdaywas the reason he was left out of last night's starting line-up.

And finally...

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis and City football administrator Brian Marwood were deep in conversation in the directors' box prior to kick-off.

Pulis will have noted the trouble Aaron Lennon gave City left back Pablo Zabaleta and will be hoping Jermaine Pennant, his own tricky winger, can add to the Argentine's worries in the FA Cup fInal.

?Manchester City 1 Tottenham 0: Crouch own goal seals Blues place in Champions League Redknapp: City won't stop spending until they win the Champions LeagueAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion

?Explore more:People: Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes, Harry Redknapp, Carlos Tevez, Roberto Mancini, Aaron Lennon, Mario Balotelli Places: Italy, United Kingdom, Europe

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail