• Premier League

Hart 'upset' over Everton goal

ESPN staff
October 7, 2013
Joe Hart has been criticised for high-profile errors in recent weeks © PA Photos
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Joe Hart blamed himself for Everton's goal against Manchester City on Saturday, according to his team-mate Pablo Zabaleta.

The goalkeeper has endured a torrid start to the season and was at fault when Franck Ribery scored for Bayern Munich against City last Wednesday.

And he was also responsible for goals City conceded to Cardiff's Fraizer Campbell and Aston Villa's Andreas Weimann and for a James Morrison strike for Scotland against England.

But while many thought Joleon Lescott was more culpable for Romelu Lukaku's opener in City's 3-1 victory, right-back Zabaleta said Hart was disappointed he did not keep the Belgian's shot out.

He told British daily newspapers: "I think he's still upset about it. He felt he could have got a stronger hand to it."

And Zabaleta said the normally confident Hart had been affected by his error against Bayern.

He added: "Most of the lads saw him a bit down in the week. Sometimes it happens in football, that's why it is important that as team-mates we need to support all the players. And he knows all the players are behind him. We have seen him for a long time doing very well and that is why it is strange to see him down.

"It is really hard for any player when you are not doing well, but it is important for him to show his strength of character, his strong personality and show he is coming back to his best. I'm sure he will do that because he is a great goalkeeper."

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