Ireland sends Sven's City soaring

MANCHESTER, England -- Stephen Ireland sent Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City soaring back into the top three just two points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal after a 1-0 home win against Sunderland on Monday.

The 21-year-old struck after 67 minutes when he met a cross from substitute Darius Vassell and sent his fierce shot through goalkeeper Craig Gordon's legs.

It was tough luck on Sunderland, who worked tirelessly for manager Roy Keane but lacked the class in attack to collect the point their endeavour deserved.

City fans may have finally responded to their team's revival this season -- the crowd was in excess of 40,000 -- but the only thing which raised them from deep-rooted slumber was former Manchester United star Keane's slow walk to the edge of his technical area.

Star man Elano embarked on one mazy dribble but failed to test Gordon and the Brazilian also lined up a 35-yard free-kick, only for his shot to fly harmlessly wide as City struggled to find the breakthrough.

Emile Mpenza spurned City's best chance, screwing Elano's through ball wide from 15 yards.

Keane, meanwhile, was left to reflect on Anthony Stokes' failure to convert the clearest opportunity of the entire first half when he guided his header fractionally wide of Joe Hart's right-hand post.

In restoring Hart to his starting line-up ahead of Sweden World Cup star Andreas Isaksson, Eriksson had shown immense faith in the former Shrewsbury youngster.

Hart certainly had his wits about him at the start of the second period when Liam Miller fed Kenwyne Jones, whose first-time effort forced the keeper into a low save.

But Eriksson's decision to send on Vassell for Michael Johnson at the break proved an astute tactical switch.

Vassell's added pace on the left provided City with an extra attacking outlet and the former England star left Nyron Nosworthy far too easily inside the box before crossing perfectly for Ireland to rattle home. E-mail to a friend