Sven unhappy with Swedish criticism

City boss Eriksson was forced to defend himself after making rookie Joe Hart his number one goalkeeper ahead of Kasper Schmeichel and experienced Sweden international Andreas Isaksson.

When asked by a Swedish journalist why Isaksson had not been handed a chance, Eriksson said: "Sitting in Sweden and criticising what we do at Carrington is easy but I don't think it's fair. What hurt me is that one newspaper said that Isaksson and myself had a fight. That's absolute rubbish - there has never been one bad word between us."

He added: "He's too professional for that and I am also too professional to start fighting with players.

"I took the decision and he accepted it, even if he was not happy about it."

Carlton Cole produced a delightful overhead kick to put West Ham ahead after eight minutes at Eastlands on Sunday before Darius Vassell stabbed in a controversial equaliser eight minutes later.

The Hammers always looked more likely to pilfer the points, however, and Hart, 20, confirmed his rich promise with excellent saves to deny Mark Noble and Cole in the closing stages.

Eriksson said: "Joe played very well yet again. He has a great future and is a fantastic goalkeeper for his age.

"He's rather big, he's good on crosses and he's very brave. The only thing that's missing is experience.

"You cannot buy experience - you have to stand there between the posts and let it happen over the years."