Skip to content

Roberto Mancini hopes his praise of Robin van Persie spurs on Manchester City strikers

Image: Roberto Mancini: Hopes praise given to Manchester United striker Robin van Persie motivates his own strike-force

Roberto Mancini hopes his recent praise of Robin van Persie has motivated his Manchester City strikers ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

Mancini again backed Mario Balotelli who, after missing four games through illness, came off the bench against Watford and scored twice in an unexpected outing for the Under-21s on Monday. When asked if this was a fresh start for the striker, Mancini said: "Next question! No, I hope. "He went with the Under-21s because he needed a game. "After 40 days without a game, he needed one game. He trained well and I hope this year will be different." Arsenal v Manchester City is live on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday. For more details click here

Around Sky