Bianchi savours victory

Just when Man City thought they would never find a winning goalscorer, up pops Rolando Bianchi - again - to help Man City to a fantastic 4-2 victory over Bolton at the Eastlands.

Vassell pounced and though the former England man saw his shot saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen, he turned the rebound into Johnson’s path and the ball eventually squirted into the path of Bianchi, who prodded home.

Eriksson’s reluctance to offer his £8.8million forward a regular starting spot this term has bemused the City faithful, who have seen a variety of front-man fail to deliver.

Bolton fought back, Diouf was involved on three occasions as Bolton switched play from the left flank to the right. The Senegal international’s last involvement was the decisive one as he scooped home Kevin Davies’ astute pass.

Gardner seized possession, then darted into the box where his cut-back, intended for Nicolas Anelka, was prodded into Nolan’s path by Hamann. Nolan smashed home the goal.

After half time Etuhu found space down the right-flank before cutting inside, holding off his marker before feeding Dietmar Hamann on the edge of the penalty area. The veteran German cut on to his right foot before curling an effort goalwards - the ball flying inside the far post via a deflection off the head of Michalik.

City gradually began to get on top as the half progressed, although Anelka tested Isaksson with an acrobatic volley from a tight angle.

But, after young tyro Johnson had hit the outside of the post, City did get their third, Vassell sliding the ball home after a fine burst into the area by the speedy Martin Petrov.

As Bolton pushed forward, the spaces began to open up and substitute Emile Mpenza should have made sure of the points with a late break, only to shoot straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen with the goal gaping.

But City did get a fourth deep in to stoppage time, Etuhu calmly firing past the Bolton keeper from six yards out after Vassell had slid the ball across the face of goal.