Sven has new Europe hopes

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson praised his battling side after a 2-1 victory against Sunderland gave City a new hope of qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season. Elano scored with 11 minutes to go to put City in the driving seat, but Sunderland hit back minutes later with a Dean Whitehead goal. Darius Vassell restored City's lead in the 87th minute to wrap up the result.

"The winning goal was not one of the greatest strikes I've ever seen in my life but it went in," said Eriksson.

"And of course there was a little bit of luck as well with the penalty," the Swede admitted. "It was a bit harsh but there was contact - even though I couldn't see it from the bench," the former England manager added.

"I hope we can maintain this form between now and the end of the season so we can at least dream about playing in Europe next season.

"Nobody knew very much about us at the start of the season. Now everybody knows Martin Petrov and Elano and everything about us. We also have a lot of players in their first season in the Premier League and it's been a tough experience for them.

"They have been asked to play many, many games without a break and these new players will be so much better next season. Next season they will know what this league is all about."