Blackburn 1 City 0

'More beautiful than dangerous' was Sven's ascertion following yesterday's defeat at Ewood Park, and whilst the 'bully-boy' tag labelled at Blackburn is a touch dramatic in my estimation it was perhaps a little bit of a lesson for some of the new players on some of the harsher elements of the Premier League.

Sven believes that we will be ok and is not overly concerned at the defeat, a reflection on the same attitude he had conversely after the opening three wins. There are concerns over a lack of creativity or cutting edge however, and there is also the view that Andreas Isaksson will be welcomed back more eagerly than he may have been a couple of games or so ago.

However, the next five fixtures we have are Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Birmingham and after ten games of this season this should provide a more accurate look at how we may fare over the course of a whole season.

Reports:

The South African’s strike was enough to give Mark Hughes’ side the edge against City in a rousing encounter. - Manchester Evening News.

It is far too early to say that Eriksson’s grand plans for a City renaissance are off the rails. - The Independent.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s honeymoon period at Manchester City is well and truly over and the former England manager has to be dismayed by the sharp downturn in their level of performance. - Guardian.

Blackburn Rovers should have won at a canter, so incisive was their play, so inviting were the countless chances they created, so haphazard was City’s defending. - The Times.

BBC interviews:

Sven-Goran Eriksson and Mark Hughes.