ONLY time will tell if Sven Goran Eriksson will become Man City's knight in shining Armani, but at least the former England boss opened his reign with a victory.
Sure, it was only League One Donny, and hardly a tackle was made by either side.
But three quality goals from the underachieving players Eriksson inherited from Stuart Pearce gave City's 1,200 travelling fans something to smile about after a summer of uncertainty.
Eriksson said: "I don't feel any pressure when my teams are playing friendly games, but you always learn things on these occasions and, of course, it is always good to win. We scored three very nice goals and that is good because I know the team had a problem scoring last season.
"There are some very good professionals at the club already, but I want to bring in more. How many is not up to me. But it's nice to be back in management."
Eriksson greeted the City fans who chanted his name with a wave - but half-an-hour later he was scratching his head as the visitors fell behind to Sean McDaid's smart finish.
Emile Mpenza hit a post in response and more evidence that Eriksson has already had an impact on the Blues came three minutes after the break.
Last season, there were calls for Bernardo Corradi to be DNA-tested after the £2million Italian striker scored just three goals all year. His introduction from the bench yesterday saw him unleash a stunning half-volley from 25 yards to bring City their equaliser.
Micah Richards put City ahead with a superb solo goal and a somersault celebration to match, before Mpenza wrapped up the victory.
Eriksson's clenched-fist salute to the fans was a little out of character, but it summed up the mood at City these days perfectly.
|