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It's my fault Bianchi struggled, admits Sven
Last updated at 18:13pm on 24.12.07Sven Goran Eriksson made a refreshing deviation from the managerial code after Manchester City dug deep to earn this draw.
In a moment of self-criticism, Eriksson blamed himself for failing to stand by Rolando Bianchi earlier this season when the £8.8million striker was struggling.
Manchester City's Rolando Bianchi puts the ball past Aston Villa's Scott Carson to open the scoring
Bianchi was restored to the side three weeks ago after scoring as a substitute at Spurs. He has grabbed two more since, including the opener at Villa Park.
His side, however, may have been fortunate to come away with a point after claims that a late Gabriel Agbonlahor header was over the line when City midfielder Elano hooked it clear.
Bianchi's record with Reggiana, an average Italian side, was a creditable goal every other game but he played only six League games at the start of the season before being dropped. Eriksson said: "Bianchi is getting better and better. When he plays, he scores. And that, obviously, is very important. He had a difficult time because I don't think he settled in that well. Mainly because of me: I didn't play him.
"He's mentally strong. He always comes in with a smile on his face, every morning. You ask him to do whatever it is you want done on the pitch and he does it.
"He's hungry and very keen to be very successful here in England as he was in Italy."
Bianchi scored with his only real effort on target all afternoon, converting Martin Petrov's cross.
Manchester City started impressively but John Carew knocked them out of their stride, bullying City's central defenders and equalising with a deflected shot. Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "John Carew was immense. Absolutely fantastic. He was unplayable. Their centre halves are very strong indeed. I think referees think that because he's so tall he can take care of himself. People were holding on to him.
"He is unorthodox. But he can bring it down, play it. Into his chest in the penalty area is exactly what he wants.
"He has missed a chunk of the season. He's getting fitter. He's back — and how."
ASTON VILLA (4-4-2): Carson 6; Mellberg 6, Knight 6, Laursen 7, Bouma 5; Young 6, Reo-Coker 6, Barry 6, Maloney 4 (Petrov 74min, 5); Agbonlahor 5, Carew 9. Booked: Barry, Reo-Coker.
MAN CITY (4-2-3-1): Hart 6; Onuoha 6, Richards 7, Dunne 6, Ball 5; Hamann 6 (Corluka 70, 5), Fernandes 6; Petrov 5, Elano 5 (Garrido 76), Vassell 5; Bianchi 6 (Etuhu 84). Booked: Hamann, Fernandes, Ball.
Man of the match: John Carew.
Referee: Lee Mason.
