Sven hopes to maintain momentum

Last updated : 25 February 2008 By Ben Collins

City's long-awaited derby win at Old Trafford was a fantastic boost for the Blues, not least because our form's been poor since the New Year.

The Blues had won just twice in 12 games heading into the derby but Sven felt the City fans helped his players get back to their best.

The City supporters inside Old Trafford behaved impeccably during the minute's silence for Munich and that inspired the Blues to pull off a famous victory against all the odds - our first at Old Trafford in 34 years, just in case you needed reminding!

"I had said after the disappointing performance against Arsenal, that to stand a chance against such teams, we needed to be like lions," he says in tonight's programme notes. "This could not be truer if we were looking to get even one point from the match at Old Trafford.

"I wasn't disappointed by my team's response. What followed was a near perfect day for all at Manchester City, both on and off the pitch. The dignity and respect of our fans before the game and the passion and pride they showed during and after it, were matched only by the marvellous performances of our players.

"I asked for a lion-like display and it was as if we had a pack of 11 of them, right from the kick-off. I was delighted for all involved that they were part of an almost perfect performance and an almost perfect result. To be the only team so far this season to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League is a real achievement, as is breaking the spell of 34 years without a victory there."

City had lost ground in the battle for European qualification following our slow start to the year and that unexpected victory at United has revived hopes of securing the fourth Champions League place.

Unfortunately, with City having been knocked out of the FA Cup, we've had to wait two weeks for the chance to build on that fantastic derby win.

Tonight City face Everton, who have held fourth place in recent weeks, and a second straight victory for the Blues would put us level with Liverpool, Everton and Villa, who are all joint-fourth on 47 points.

"As nice as it was to break down some of those records and to win both derbies this season, what was even more pleasing was the three points that the victory gave us," Sven adds. "They helped improve our league position and could be vital if we are to fulfil our ambition of playing in Europe next season.

"That game won't bring us any points in the future and so it is tonight's match that now takes on even more importance. It goes without saying that we will need to show the same attitude and spirit if we want another favourable result.

"Everton are having an excellent season and are currently sitting where they deserve to be."

Elano and Vedran Corluka are available again after being suspended for the derby, while Michael Johnson is in contention after recovering from injury.

Although the starting XI at United pulled off a surprise win, Sven may be willing to make changes with two weeks having now passed since hitting that high of the derby victory.

We only have a five-day break before our next game, though, so victory against Everton would restore some momentum and set up a great chance of claiming a third straight win with Wigan the visitors on Saturday.

After winning our first 10 home games this season, we've failed to win in our last four at home in the league and we need to rediscover that home form if we are to maintain a serious challenge for European qualification this season.