Hughes confident of more from City

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Emmanuel Adebayor struck the winner at Fratton Park to send Hughes' men into the top four, meaning the Togo striker has scored in each of City's three league successes so far this season. The next tests are Arsenal and Manchester United after the international break.

"There is more time needed in terms of developing the group and team-mates understanding the qualities," said City boss Hughes.

"We're early in terms of that but I'm encouraged.

"We'll have stronger tests. I just sense that I have players who are confident. When you go into games against Arsenal you have to go in with confidence.

"Last season we were in similar situations to the Portsmouth game and at times we went under on those occasions. I sense now that happens they thrive on it rather being apprehensive about it. That is a shift in mentality."

Adebayor struck on the half-hour mark, heading home Gareth Barry's inswinging corner.

"My confidence is very high," Adebayor told Sky Sports 1. "I want to keep on enjoying myself, keep scoring goals for this club."

Adebayor, eagerly anticipating facing his former club Arsenal, added: "I will play against all my old friends - Gael Clichy, Alex Song, Emmanuel Eboue.

"It will be a tough game for us. We know how good Arsenal are. I think if we play with this motivation we have a chance to win because we are playing at home."