City fans should dream of success, says Sven

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But sooner or later the Manchester City manager may have to admit that his impressive team can make a run at the European places.

City hero: Stephen Ireland celebrates his late winner

One of Eriksson's support staff looked at a print of the Premier League table as his boss talked to the media and said: "Look at us, sandwiched between Manchester United and Chelsea. Who would have thought that?"

Who indeed? Although it remains unlikely that City will occupy a top four position at the end of the season, Eriksson's side have set a standard that should see them in the UEFA Cup.

Eriksson said: "I am not talking about winning the league. Certainly, we are not favourites. I hope to have a bigger and better squad after January so I don't want to say what we can achieve until then.

"But it is good that the fans have all that expectation. Why shouldn't they dream and be happy over what we are doing?"

Eriksson still talks about the top end of the Premier League as if his team are not part of it. One senses that the pragmatic Swede knows harder times lie ahead. But as he waits to find out how much money chairman Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to give him in January, City's exalted league position is proving to be the perfect bargaining tool.

On Saturday, City were not at their best but there were still enough glimpses to hint at a bright future.

The passing of Brazilian Elano and Irishman Stephen Ireland was terrific while the industry of Swiss holding midfielder Gelson Fernandes, 20, impressed.

City's opening goal from Martin Petrov was deserved but they fell away and were punished when James Harper equalised.

The second half was notable for two things. Stephen Hunt's horrendous tackle on Fernandes, for which he should have been sent off, and Ireland's dramatic late volley.

Hunt apologised to his opponent after the game while Reading manager Steve Coppell said: "I am not excusing him. He was fortunate not to be sent off."

MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-1-1): Isaksson 6; Corluka 7 (Sun 43min 6), Richards 6, Dunne 6, Garrido 6; Ireland 7, Fernandes 8, Hamann 6, Petrov 7; Elano 6 (Geovanni 56 6); Mpenza 6 (Samaras 46 6).

READING (4-4-2) Hahnemann 5; Murty 6, Sonko 6, Ingimarsson 6, Shorey 6; Hunt 6, Gunnarsson 7, Harper 7, Convey 7; Kitson 6, Doyle 6 (Long 85). Booked: Hunt.

Man of the match: Gelson Fernandes. Referee: Steve Tanner.