Man City are growing, keeper states

Manchester City need to maintain the standards they have set in their last two matches to get into the Premier League title race, according to Shay Given.

The Irish keeper has seen his side record wins over both Arsenal and Premier League leaders Chelsea in the last week, with Given saving a late penalty in the latter to ensure his side were victorious.

City had endured a string of seven Premier League draws on the bounce and the victory over Chelsea sees them sit sixth in the table, one point behind Aston Villa with a game in hand.

Mark Hughes’ side are looking to break into the top four to qualify for the Champions League in 2010 and Given admits the players at City had conducted their own inquest into their failings and managed to turn things around.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper told the Manchester Evening News: “The odd rollicking never did anyone any harm if you take it in the right way. We’re all grown men as well, and you have to take criticism when it comes along. We’ve set the bar now and we can’t drop below it.”

City’s defeat of Chelsea at the weekend has helped out their rivals Manchester United’s Premier League title ambitions.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men managed a 4-0 win away at West Ham to close the gap on their West London rivals to two points.