Negredo keen to get even better

Alvaro Negredo has scored two goals in as many games for Manchester City
1 September 2013

Alvaro Negredo has made a positive impact at Manchester City but is determined to make even more waves.

The striker continued his good start in City colours by coming off the bench to claim the breakthrough goal in Saturday's laboured 2-0 win over Hull in the Barclays Premier League.

Negredo broke the deadlock for an otherwise unconvincing City with a firm header after 64 minutes, before Yaya Toure completed the scoring with a brilliant last-minute free-kick.

Negredo's goal was his second since his summer move from Sevilla after netting in last week's shock loss at Cardiff, while he also had a strike wrongly disallowed in the season-opening win over Newcastle.

The Spaniard, who is still to start this season, told City TV: "Luckily for me I'm scoring goals and happy to help the team.

"Last week the goal didn't matter but this week it helped the team to open the scoring and with Yaya's goal we closed the game.

"I'm very happy with my performance. I would like to play more minutes but it is the manager's decision and I accept it.

"I will keep working hard to get more game time. I'm very happy and I've settled in well. I hope to keep helping City by scoring more goals."

Negredo was introduced at half-time in an attempt to inject fresh life into a lethargic City side and break an unintimidated Hull.

The Tigers had some of the game's better chances with Sone Aluko racing clear early on only to shoot wide. Danny Graham had a fine volley ruled out for offside and Robert Koren went close from long range.

City, however, also had some good moments with Allan McGregor saving well to deny Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott from headers.

Manuel Pellegrini's men held firm after Negredo, who missed a good chance within minutes of going on, finally put them ahead from Pablo Zabaleta's cross but Toure's free-kick made the scoreline flattering.

The result at least sent City into the international break with more positive thoughts after the euphoria of the 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle was quickly punctured by Cardiff.

Midfielder Fernandinho, City's major summer signing, said: "It was good to win. Now we have 15 days off and the next game we have to win again.

"We made some mistakes in first half but the second half was better for us and we scored two goals - Negredo and Yaya - it was good for us and we're very happy."

The season remains in its early stages but there is plenty for Pellegrini to ponder after two difficult encounters against promoted teams in successive games.

Striker Sergio Aguero is convinced things will soon click under the new manager and that an exciting campaign lies ahead.

The Argentinian said: "It's bound to take some time to get used to the ideas of any new manager, but I think this time the process will be quicker.

"He values keeping the ball and offensive, attacking play - that suits us down to the ground. On the players' side, we are all here to work hard and try our best for him and I think things will go really well.

"Reaching our maximum goal in every competition needs to be our objective, that's our challenge. We have a great team and have made world-class signings.

"We need to reach for the sky, but keeping in mind that the rest of the teams have also made strides to improve.

"That will make this a thrilling season, and I hope one that also sees us bring home the silverware we're aiming for."

Pellegrini's immediate focus will switch to the transfer market and ongoing attempts to bring in a defender before Monday's deadline. Atletico Madrid's Martin Demichelis is the prime target.

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