Zola: 'The scoreline was a bit harsh on us'

Watford Head Coach Gianfranco Zola said that Manchester City's 3-0 margin of victory was 'a bit harsh' on his side who put in a superb showing at the home of the Premier League Champions.

Roberto Mancini named as strong a team as he could with the exception of the rested Joe Hart.

City were still pushed hard by the Hornets who created a good number of chances themselves despite enjoying some 20 per cent less of the ball than their illustrious hosts.

A beautifully-struck free-kick from Carlos Tevwz opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Gareth Barry nodded in from close-range a minute before half-time.

Seventeen year-old prospect Carlos Lopes got the third on the re-bound in injury time to seal the win.

Speaking afterwards to watfordfc.com, Zola praised his side's efforts to play their natural passing game:

"What I appreciated and enjoyed was that we tried to play football. We had some counter attacks and caused them problems and we should have scored to be honest,' admitted the Italian.

"You can`t stop them playing but what you can do is that every time you have an opportunity you can trouble them and we tried to do so.'

Zola continued:

"I was proud of them because that`s the team we want to be.

"Even though we`ve been defeated by the Champions, we will improve."

Unfortunately City boss Roberto Mancini didn't bother the press with his opinion the game, but assistant David Platt spoke to mcfc.co.uk

"In the end it was straight-forward, we`re pleased with the result," stated Platt.

"That second goal just before half-time really takes the stuffing out of them and that second half we controlled the way the game was going to be played.

"Goals change games, we went 1-0 up and if we had conceded straight away when they had the one-on-one chance, you never know how it might have gone.'

Watford return to N.Power Championship action next Saturday when they make the long-trip to face fellow Play-Off contenders, Middlesbrough.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.