Eriksson happy with draw

City boss praises his team's battling performance

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 30th December 2007

sven eriksson

Eriksson: Happy

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Sven-Goran Eriksson said he was happy after watching Manchester City hold Liverpool to a goal-less draw to go into the New Year still unbeaten at home.

City had to hold firm, with captain Richard Dunne outstanding as Liverpool had the better of the play and the game's few chances.

Dunne had to clear a parried Dirk Kuyt header off the line with five minutes to go, while on 47 minutes, Spanish striker Fernando Torres had two great chances but could not score.

City's resolute defending helped them claim the draw which keeps them in fifth place in the league, just a point behind fourth placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Praising his players, Eriksson said: "I think we defended very well. (It was) a good game, not a lot of chances for neither team.

"We were tired at the end. I think it means a lot - Liverpool had one more day, we had one day less between this game and the last game we played.

Happy

"But I am happy - one point, which is good. A clean sheet, which is good against a team like Liverpool.

"We suffered at the end but we did well, very well."

He denied that the way he had set up his team meant that his priority was not to lose, saying: "We always try to win."

The City boss added the only reason why striker Rolando Bianchi was left on the bench as they wanted pace up front.

"We hoped to beat them in pace with Stephen Ireland, Vassell and Petrov. We didn't but we were very close to come through many times and that was the plan but we defended well, that was good."

Asked if he was disappointed that they hardly made Liverpool keeper Reina make a save, he said: "Of course - we always try to do that but (we are) not disappointed.

"When you play like we did and the other team is Liverpool you can't be disappointed.

Win

"We are not 100 per cent happy because we wanted to win the game but, anyhow, I think the boys did very well."

Asked if the performance showed they can contend with the top four and they are now knocking on the door, the Swede joked: "Good question - middle of January, ask me again!"

Eriksson said "we are going to do something" when asked about the transfer window.

"I don't know if it is going to happen from the first week of January but it will happen," he said, although he did not wish to name his targets.