Lescott after fast starts at Manchester City

The defender has put Manchester City's impressive form over the festive period down to strong starts to games.

Joleon Lescott heads home for Manchester City against Aston Villa. The defender is confident his team can fight for the title.
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Joleon Lescott has put Manchester City's impressive form over the festive period down to strong starts to games.

City took the lead after just two minutes against Newcastle United last Sunday and had their noses in front after eight minutes against Aston Villa on Tuesday. They went on to win the matches 3-1 and 4-0 respectively and are now level on points with Manchester United at the top of the league.

Lescott, the defender, said: "We have been out of the blocks quickly in the last two games. We were pretty dire in the opening minutes against Everton and it is something we have consciously put right.

"When we get our noses in front we are a hard side to stop. We showed that against Newcastle and Villa. We are always confident that we can hold it."

City's victory over Newcastle was achieved despite Roberto Mancini, the manager, making alterations to the side, and Lescott said all the signs were encouraging for their championship bid.

"What this holiday period has shown, too, is that we have the strength in depth to maintain a challenge up at the top," he said.

"We showed we can make changes, bring people in and not weaken the team. The manager made five changes from Newcastle to Villa and yet the performance was good. There is a real high standard of players right through the whole squad. That gives everyone confidence.

"We are not getting carried away or making any predictions. Our aim is to be consistent and keep the pressure on the sides around us."

City beat today's opponents Blackpool 3-2 earlier this season, but Ian Holloway has vowed that his side will not be looking to settle for just a point at the Eastlands.

"I think Man City have improved massively in the period since they played us," Holloway said. "They are going from strength to strength.

"We won't be going there to shut up shop. We're going there to attack them."

Carlos Tevez, who scored twice in the game at Blackpool, is expected to feature today after recovering from a hamstring problem that meant he was only a substitute against Villa, while Blackpool will welcome back Charlie Adam, their captain, after his suspension.

* Agency

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