City have beaten Carlstad United 4-0 this afternoon in the second and final game of their week-long trip to Sweden. Sven-Goran Eriksson named a side that saw Joe Hart handed a first chance to impress the new Manager. One player to already do that, Shaleum Logan, continued in the starting XI. Upfront, Eriksson went with the Italian Job frontline, as both Bernardo Corradi and Rolando Bianchi started and added to their goals from Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Örgryte IS.Recent signing Gelson Fernandes was named amongst the substitutes and was joined by Kasper Schmeichel who came on for the second half and saved a Carlstad penalty to keep the first clean sheet of the pre-season. The Blues will return home before heading out to Belgium next weekend to face Charleroi on Saturday.

Micah Richards takes over the captain’s armband from Richard Dunne for today’s game as the Blues look to keep their unbeaten pre-season record intact.

And that looked to be in no doubt just one minute in as Bernardo Corradi almost took advantage of a poor back pass. Unfortunately the Italian striker couldn’t beat the keeper.

City’s bright start continued though and after five minutes Corradi made no mistake this time. He was sent clear by Bianchi and the in-form forward rounded the keeper to give Sven’s men a deserved lead.

It was 2-0 after 20 minutes and following good work from Stephen Ireland, Corradi repaid the earlier favour from Bianchi to set up the former Reggina man who fired home with a low drive. City in complete control...might need that abacus at this rate.

The Blues took their foot off the gas and cantered to half time with further chances for Corradi and Hamann coming to nothing.

Half time: Carlstad United 0-2 Manchester City

The Blues made one change at the break with Kasper Schmeichel replacing the virtually unemployed Joe Hart.

After 51 minutes the Blues’ routine victory is increased to 3-0. Bianchi again on target after Corradi had linked well with Danny Mills. The Italian sweeping in his second of the game and third in a blue shirt.

A minute later, second half sub keeper Schmeichel was called into action, making Joe Hart jealous by having a penalty to face! Skipper Richards was adjudged to have handled in the area, a dubious decision at best, and the England defender even received a yellow card for his trouble.

No need to trouble the scorers though as Schmeichel’s Dudek-esque antics did enough to put off the Carlstad striker as he pulled off a fine save and keep City’s lead at three.

A raft of changes followed and City went on to make it four on 78 minutes, as substitute Marc Laird drove home from the edge of the box, after good work from fellow sub Michael Johnson and two-goal Rolando Bianchi.

All in all a comfortable work out for the Blues in the Swedish sunshine before they return to the gloom of the Manchester weather for what could prove to be another wet week at Carrington.

Full time: Carlstad United 0-4 Manchester City