O'Neill's Man City Verdict

Martin O'Neill referred to our attacking play today as 'an absolute dream'. After scoring 4, it's hard to argue against that sentiment isn't it.

A goal from John Carew and a hattrick from Gabby secured all 3 points on this seasons opening day, and left O'Neill absolutely delighted with the result, even if we did conceed another late goal.

Speaking on the official site, O'Neill praised up the performance of the boys, and complimented Man City for playing their part in creating a fantastic match for the supporters.

'It was a great game. We scored four goals and we were brilliant going forward - an absolute dream.

'Gabby scored a hat-trick and it was as good a hat-trick as you're likely to see. All in all we were absolutely magnificent.

'We had a few scary moments towards the end when it had looked pretty comfortable. But we full deserved to win the game.

'I felt it was an enthralling game. The action was end to end and Manchester City played their part in a brilliant entertaining game.'

O'Neill admits he had some concern when the first half ended goalless, but even then he was reasonably pleased with the commitment shown.

'There were no goals in the first-half but at half-time I felt we were doing fine. We could have scored maybe early on but it was just a matter of players getting to know each other.

'But at half-time I felt, whatever we do, don't throw it away. We had to keep our shape and keep our discipline.

'Then we got a goal just after half-time and that set us up nicely. They got the equalising goal, much to our own fault, but the fact is that we came back again.

'We came back in phenomenal fashion and I think the crowd will be delighted with the performance.'

It's easy to get carried away with the last two results, but we still have work to do and we still need to build.

This result should give the squad a brilliant boost of confidence and we need to make sure we carry this through to other games and unlike points last season, do not get over complacent and allow mistakes to creep in and let results get away from us.

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