Milner stepped up for Pellegrini's men
Monday 8 December 2014 10:59, UK
Manchester City showed their credentials by battling through Sergio Aguero’s injury blow and a mediocre performance to win, says Jamie Redknapp.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday Night Football thanks to Yaya Toure’s first-half penalty, helping them to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to three points, after the Blues lost at Newcastle.
But the reigning champions were dealt a huge blow early on as Aguero limped off with suspected knee ligament damage inside the first few minutes.
City were already missing key players in David Silva and captain Vincent Kompany, and Redknapp believes the result was the main thing on Saturday.
“When you put it into context – you lose your star striker after two minutes, you’ve got no Vincent Kompany, no David Silva – it’s a huge result,” said the Sky Sports pundit.
“That’s so important, especially after what happened with Chelsea earlier. Those three points are vital. They weren’t at their best, but with those games you just need to win, to get across the line, and that’s what Manuel Pellegrini will be so pleased about.”
“[Aguero’s injury] is a huge blow because he’s such a good player and in such wonderful form. But until he has the MRI scan we’re not really going to know the extent of the damage.”
Redknapp also singled out the display of James Milner, who won the decisive penalty as he turned in a man-of-the-match performance.
When they needed a leader, somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck, I thought Milner was that man
“I would love to see how much he ran today,” he added. “He never stopped, perpetual motion on the left, on the right. He was always involved.
“When they needed a leader, somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck, I thought he was that man. When they needed him the most he came up with it today with a good performance.”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce echoed Redknapp’s sentiments, saying Milner is a player who deserves more acclaim.
“I worked with James for a short time at Newcastle,” he said. He’s been playing in the Premier League since he was 17 and he showed his character today.
“He works so hard, always works on his game and he had a fabulous game today. He doesn’t get the credit for his ability.”
