“These things can happen in a game,” Pellegrini declared. “We started really well and we were very unlucky with two individual mistakes. But that is normal sometimes.
“In the second half we continued playing in the same way that we started the game and we scored two goals and we had three or four more clear chances.
“During the week when we scored seven goals against Sheffield Wednesday I felt that the team was released [in front of goal] and so today we repeated that against a very good team that defended very well.”
Early goals from Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko had given the Champions a two goal cushion, but an Eliaquim Mangala own goal and an Abel Hernandez penalty dragged Steve Bruce’s side level before the break.
A second strike from Dzeko, and a fourth goal in three games from substitute Frank Lampard ensured a happy ending for the City fans packed into the away end.
Asked about Mangala, the Chilean added: “These things can happen, he was very unlucky with the own goal, and after that he arrived late for the penalty.
“We will continue trusting in him because he is a very good player and he had very bad luck with two balls.”
The fixture list does not get any lighter in the next week, with Roma at the Etihad Stadium next up on the agenda for the Premier League Champions.
However, Manuel emphasised that his side are taking things one game at a time, and that preparation for the Champions League will only take centre stage from tomorrow morning.
“We have a very important Champions League game on Tuesday against Roma, who they won their first game, but we were just thinking about this match today,” the manager explained.
“Tomorrow we will start preparing for that game, but it was very important to win here and get three points away from home, because we cannot drop more points and allow Chelsea to get a bigger difference.”
...Manuel Pellegrini...
The travelling support were in full voice at the KC Stadium, and the boss is keen to give them more days like this to enjoy.
He said: “I am very happy for the fans, I think it is important for them to see the team play in this way. I think they enjoyed last season and we hope it can be the same this year.”
City v AS Roma – tickets available!
Tickets are still available for City’s opening home Champions League clash against AS Roma on 30 September (7:45pm BST).
Don’t miss out on this crucial encounter as Manuel Pellegrini‘s men look to continue their European adventure with this must-win tie against the Italian outfit.
European nights at the Etihad Stadium under the lights are always special so get your tickets now.
