Marc Vivien Foe reckons Shaun Goater’s dramatic late equaliser in last weekend’s derby illustrated how much Manchester City have developed into a beligerent side. At the beginning of the season, when Kevin Keegan’s side languished near the foot of the table, there were a couple of times when they looked too eager to raise the white flag.
One need only look at the poor results against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Southampton for proof.
But since their revival began at Birmingham in October, with a dogged 2-0 victory, the Blues have developed the demeanour of a side who know how to scrap and tussle for points.
That was perfectly illustrated last week when, despite facing a barrage of pressure from United in the first-half, City dug deep and gained a deserved share of the spoils through Goater in the dying minutes.
And Foe, who epitomises that never-say-die spirit, believes this is because the new signings Keegan made last summer have fully adapted to life at Maine Road.
« We have had an important few months and I believed how we did in that spell would determine where we finish in May, » he explained. « We have won a few games, now that is all everyone thinks about. We like winning.
« Even when we don’t win or things don’t go for us, we always stay together, no matter how difficult things become. We always believe that we can get a goal and this is the most important thing for me.
Learning curve
« Maybe it has taken us a bit of time to work up an understanding, but this team we have will get better and better, the more we grow.
« You forget this is the first time a lot of us have played together. I have been happy that people have said I have done well but I have also been happy for my team. »
As City have adapted to the rigours of the top flight, so too has Foe. After a slow start, the Cameroon international has been one of the most consistent performers.
He admits it was difficult to keep up with the frenetic pace of the Premiership at first, but, having spent a year at West Ham in 1998, the 27-year-old felt equipped to try his hand once again.
That is why he had no hesitation in turning his back on the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Olympique Lyon when Keegan offered him the chance to join the Blues on loan.
City have the option to buy the imposing midfielder next month and, though any permanent deal is unlikely to go through until the summer, Foe admits he would jump at the chance to stay at Maine Road.
« I was ready in my mind to play in England again, but it did take a while to get used to it. Now I like it here, » said Foe, who has scored seven goals from midfield.
