• Premier League

Hart happy despite ugly victory

ESPN staff
January 16, 2012
Edin Dzeko scored the game's only goal © Getty Images
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Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart was happy to admit Manchester City's win at Wigan "wasn't pretty" as they went three points clear at the Premier League's summit.

Edin Dzeko's goal midway through the first half was the difference at the DW Stadium, although Hart had to remain alert in the closing stages to keep out James McCarthy's attempt and preserve the points for Roberto Mancini's men.

"We needed that win and the big man needed a goal and he got a great goal in the first half and the lads did great," Hart told Sky Sports.

"It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't a pretty pitch out there. Fair play to Wigan, I think they are in a false position in the league at the moment for me so it's a great result for us.

"We've not been great on the road recently so we're really happy."

Dzeko - who prevented Sergio Aguero from a potentially spectacular second strike by stealing the ball off him yards from goal - was disappointed City failed to take their opportunities to extend their winning margin.

"I could have scored one or two more goals in the end, but I'm happy with the three points because it was a tough game and Wigan played very well," he said.

"I'm happy to score and help my team win. In football sometimes you score and sometimes not, but I'm happy today."

Asked about the moment of confusion with Aguero, Dzeko said: "I was waiting for him to shoot. In the end the ball came to me and he wanted to shoot, and I wanted to shoot, but it doesn't matter. We're happy now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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