Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has praised Joe Hart’s man of the match performance in City’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad today.
The City ‘keeper kept a clean sheet and stayed on the pitch despite a horrific looking injury sustained following contact with Cameron Jerome’s knee while bravely diving to grab the ball as Jerome homed in on Jonathan Parr’s cross in the 29th minute.
Hart looked to have taken a deep gash to the eye and needed treatment for several minutes before continuing for City and making several great saves to keep Palace out of a tight game.
Pellegrini later applauded Hart’s ability under pressure and his return to form following a spell out of the side after a series of well publicised errors led to the Chilean dropping him for several weeks earlier in the season. The England ‘keeper returned last week at Fulham and starred in the game against Liverpool on Boxing Day.
“It was good for him to have a rest. He’s now playing at his normal level of performance.
“I don’t think that he has less confidence, he knows what we think about him, but he needed a rest. He was always confident that he would return to his position.” said Pellegrini.
“He had a problem but it’s not serious. It looked bad but there wasn’t a problem with his sight. The doctor will know more.” he added.