Abby Brammell

By Ian Ladyman

Super saver: Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart rushes out to block New York Red Bulls' former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry (left) on Sunday night


Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has asked his players to prove they are part of his long-term thinking on his club's tour of America. So far, it is unclear whether they have been listening.

Pre-season games mean little, of course, and City's players are still building fitness over here. Nevertheless, successive New York defeats will not have pleased a fastidious coach like Mancini and again on Sunday his team deserved nothing from this game.

The Red Bulls' opening goal delighted their supporters but came on the back of an uncomfortable moment for defender Wayne Bridge typical of City's day.

Bridge will have spent the weekend wondering about his future, given that City have signed Lazio left back Aleksandar Kolarov. How unfortunate, then, that he was left floundering in the build-up to the home team's opening goal.

Red Bulls winger Dane Richards, one of American soccer's fastest players, embarrassed Bridge as he glided by him and set up Macoumba Kandji for a simple finish at the near post after seven minutes.


Match-winner: Dane Richards escapes from the clutches of City's Ben Mee


For long periods in the first half, City struggled. With temperatures in the 90s, it was clear that Mancini's players were battling the conditions. Bridge was left face down in the dirt again as Richards flew by him on the hour, then goalkeeper Joe Hart raced from his penalty area to deny Thierry Henry.


Young City defender Greg Cunningham set Jo up to score high into the net in the 55th minute, then Emmanuel Adebayor and youngster Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely spurned chances to win the game.

However, Richards provided a thrilling winner as he drove a shot high into the net from 20 yards past substitute City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.



source: dailymail