Roberto Mancini praises goal hero Patrick Vieira
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini would love to discover the 'new Patrick Vieira' but for the time being he is more than happy with the original version.
The former Arsenal midfielder scored two headers to put City well on their way to a 5-0 FA Cup fourth round replay victory over Notts County at Eastlands yesterday.
Club captain Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Micah Richards chipped in with goals in the final six minutes to give the scoreline a slightly unfair reflection on County.
But it was Vieira's goals, coming either side of half-time, which ensured City's progress as they had found themselves under pressure from the League One side.
Mancini has used the 34-year-old mainly in cup competitions and the Europa League but that does not mean he does not value the former France international, who doubled his tally of goals for the season.
"He knows the position and it is important that when he plays he plays well," said the City boss.
"It is because of that kind of professionalism that I say we want to find another Patrick.
"He has won everything and is a good player, but it's not easy for a player like him to play a lot because of his body.
"He is 34 now and the time goes for everyone. Time passes for all players.
"If we find a player like Patrick for our future it would be fantastic as he was one of the best midfielders in the world for a long time."
City will face Aston Villa at home in a delayed fifth round tie, with the winners then facing Everton - conquerors of holders Chelsea - again at home.
The score was harsh on County, who dominated the opening half-hour and could have been ahead had Karl Hawley's shot not rebounded back off a post.
Despite the defeat manager Paul Ince was proud of his side.
"When you get your chances you need to take advantage but the width of a post meant it didn't happen.
"I'm disappointed for the players. This is the wealthiest team in the world and we have matched them for an hour.
"In the last game we were 10 minutes from knocking them out so we have to take positives from that.
"A score of 5-0 doesn't justify how well we played as a team."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments