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Shay Given: Manchester City Must Not Let Standards Slip
Irish keeper urges Citizens to maintain momentum.
Dec 7, 2009 7:12:29 AM
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given was delighted with Saturday's win over Chelsea at Eastlands but insists that the side must work hard to maintain that level of performance.
Given helped seal the points with a late penalty save from Frank Lampard and the Irishman says confidence is now coursing through the squad after an impressive week at Eastlands.
"The odd rollicking never did anyone any harm if you take it in the right way," he told The Manchester Evening News.
"We're all grown men as well, and you have to take criticism when it comes along.
"I think Wednesday's win over Arsenal was a really big effort from everyone. It was a platform for the Chelsea performance.
"We've fought tooth and nail for every ball. Maybe during a couple of the draws we had, we just weren't all at it.
"We had to address that and we did. We've set the bar now and we can't drop below it.
"We got the belief and the confidence from beating Arsenal. It's amazing in football – when you get a victory, it just gives the whole place a lift.
"We came in on Thursday morning and the whole place was buzzing again. I think we brought that into the Chelsea game.
"We worked our socks off, every single player, and we deserved the three points."
Given also hailed City goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock – who spent 13 years working at Stamford Bridge – for his work in helping him prepare for penalties.
"I think Kevin should take a lot of credit because he did his homework on Lampard and had me well-drilled before the game," he added.
"I was delighted to keep it out and the lads cleared their lines when it came back off me. So we're pretty happy."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
Given helped seal the points with a late penalty save from Frank Lampard and the Irishman says confidence is now coursing through the squad after an impressive week at Eastlands.
"The odd rollicking never did anyone any harm if you take it in the right way," he told The Manchester Evening News.
"We're all grown men as well, and you have to take criticism when it comes along.
"I think Wednesday's win over Arsenal was a really big effort from everyone. It was a platform for the Chelsea performance.
"We've fought tooth and nail for every ball. Maybe during a couple of the draws we had, we just weren't all at it.
"We had to address that and we did. We've set the bar now and we can't drop below it.
"We got the belief and the confidence from beating Arsenal. It's amazing in football – when you get a victory, it just gives the whole place a lift.
"We came in on Thursday morning and the whole place was buzzing again. I think we brought that into the Chelsea game.
"We worked our socks off, every single player, and we deserved the three points."
Given also hailed City goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock – who spent 13 years working at Stamford Bridge – for his work in helping him prepare for penalties.
"I think Kevin should take a lot of credit because he did his homework on Lampard and had me well-drilled before the game," he added.
"I was delighted to keep it out and the lads cleared their lines when it came back off me. So we're pretty happy."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
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