"This could prove an important win, and it was deserved," said Mancini, even if it still felt unconvincing. There had been aspects to admire. Chances had been passed up but City's pace on the counter-attack was irrepressible, Craig Bellamy scuttling down the left flank as a striker-turned-winger and supplying Carlos Tevez, a constant blur of energy, while Adam Johnson cut inside at will on the other flank. The Englishman's emergence since his January move from Middlesbrough bodes well for England's future, even if he is surely staking his claim too late for the summer's World Cup.
Tom Dart, The Times
City employed a Patrick Vieira impersonator in midfield. The 33-year-old’s physical decline from his Arsenal heyday is dramatic: not so much box to box as box to centre circle these days, alas. But there is perpetual dynamism from Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tévez, the team’s greatest assets.Conrad Leach, The Independent
Manchester United's win over Liverpool earlier had cleared up the picture concerning fourth place, with it now seeming to boil down to a fight between City and Tottenham, who are currently fourth. Should City win their game in hand, then Mancini's men, who owed this victory largely to the sweat and energy of Carlos Tevez, will leapfrog Harry Redknapp's side. Mancini realised three points were vital. He said: "This was important for fourth place. It will be a fight to the end of the season. We are not favourites, Liverpool are a fantastic team, and we will fight with Spurs, Villa and Liverpool to the end."
John Ley, Daily Telegraph
Roque Santa Cruz scored only his fourth City goal before Carlos Tévez claimed a stunning second - and the club’s 600th in Premier League football. Fulham struck back late on when Danny Murphy converted a penalty and had the chance to level, but City held on and look well placed to challenge for the coveted Champions League place.
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