Manchester City must overcome mental fatigue, says David Platt

Roberto Mancini's assistant admits that recent battles against Manchester United and Chelsea have taken their toll on the champions, who face Tottenham on Sunday Manchester City assistant manager David Platt admits that the players are looking drained after their busy recent schedule, having battled to major victories over Manchester United and Chelsea within the space of just six days.The after effects of those performances were clearly evident as City laboured to a 1-0 win over struggling Wigan on Wednesday, when they required an inspired Carlos Tevez goal to pick up all three points at the Etihad.Platt pinpointed mental fatigue as being the key reason for their below-par performance, telling the Independent: "I think we are probably feeling the effects of the two big games we have had, mentally more than anything, what it takes out of you."We saw on the pitch we couldn't get anything going. There was a lack of energy about us. Maybe we were mentally tired. WIGAN DESERVED THREE POINTS - MARTINEZ10/1Manchester City are 10/1 with William Hill to beat Tottenham 2-0 on Sunday"We played against a team that keep the ball and made it difficult for us."We didn't look as though we were going to create anything and I think it needed a flash of brilliance to unblock the game, but that is what we know we have got in the team."The physical side is one thing but we can recuperate by fuelling the boys right, getting the right food into them, giving them the right rest and the right cures."It is not the physical side that is the problem, but the mental side. That game will have brought us back to earth."We will recuperate and go to White Hart Lane."Regardless of any excuses, Platt was keen to praise Wigan for their performance at the Etihad, and was particularly impressed by their ball retention."Wigan are a good team," he continued. "It is probably not the kind of opposition we wanted to face three days after a semi-final - and that coming on the back of the Man Utd game - because they Moncler Doudoune Homme outlet keep the ball, and if you can't get near them because of a lack of energy it gets frustrating."It gets frustrating for the crowd, frustrating for the players because normally we have the lion's share of possession here."But it was an evening where we had to just get the job done and that is what we have done."The win over the Latics cut the gap between Roberto Mancini's side and league leaders Manchester United to 13 points, but Platt dismissed any talk of a late title challenge, in spite of City's game in hand."It is irrelevant what they do," he Moncler Homme Veste outlet concluded. "Unless they open the door completely and have a big collapse then it's over, it's been over for a long time."The points gap is far too big. I think they'll get over the line." Moncler 2013 outlet

Manchester City midfielder Milner hoping for swift recovery

The England international was Moncler outlet forced off at half-time in the loss to Tottenham but is confident he will be fit and available for the club's match with the Hammers at the Etihad James Milner is looking to return to action for Manchester City in their Premier League clash with West Ham on Saturday.The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time during their defeat at the hands of Tottenham last Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury, with City going on to lose 3-1 after initially holding the lead. FERGUSON DISMISSES MANCINI CRITICISM7/1Manchester City are 7/1 with William Hill to beat West Ham 3-0The England international was disappointed he did not get to play the whole game but admitted bringing him off was the correct decision and he remains positive about recovering in time for the Hammers' visit.“I had a tight hamstring and as frustrating as it was to come off, I think it was the right decision,” the 27-year-old told the club's official website.“Obviously we were 1-0 up at White Hart Lane when I went Moncler sale off and it was such a big game so you want to play every minute you can.“But I think it was the right decision to come off, if I had stayed on the pitch I might have torn my hamstring and been out for the rest of the season.“I’ve done some work with the physios the past few days and didn’t take part in my charity golf day, Moncler Doudoune Enfants outlet which was disappointing – but football comes first.“I’m hoping to get back into training and hopefully be fine for the weekend which is obviously a positive.”Roberto Mancini's men officially surrendered their league crown on Monday after Manchester United secured the trophy with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa, but City still have the FA Cup final with Wigan to look forward to.