Wright takes criticism to Hart

By FOX Sports staff

Manchester City's grip on their Barclays Premier League trophy loosened considerably at the weekend as a shock 3-1 loss to the Saints was compunded by rivals Manchester United picking up maximum points against Everton.

United now lead the title race by 12 points and in his post-match interview City manager Mancini got stuck into his slumping side with City goalkeeper Hart, who was at fault for one of Southampton's three goals on the night, bearing the brunt of the Italian's backlash.

In his column for The Sun, Wright wrote that although Mancini has "every right to criticise" his players, he was "absolutely amazed" the Italian would publicly round on England's number one goalkeeper Hart.

"Mancini got stuck into Hart for an admittedly poor performance in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Southampton," he said.

"I'd have expected Mancini to maybe have a word in private but it was strange for him to bash a player who is still relatively young at 25.

"What the Etihad boss hopes to get out of this public caning, I simply don't know.

"Mario Balotelli got away with all sorts of things during his time at City, while Carlos Tevez's attitude towards life in Manchester has not always been great.

"The only thing you can accuse Hart of is being too honest in some post-match interviews.

"I find this refreshing as he clearly cares about the team.

"I'm sure most City fans will like the fact he doesn't like losing.

"Hart has been solid and saved City on plenty of other occasions and I would have expected Mancini to be a bit more understanding."

Wright added that he believes there "could now be a problem" between Mancini and Hart.

"Mancini's words will have hurt Hart. He will not need to be told that he was not at his best against Saints - but he wasn't the only one," Wright said.

"And let's not forget that just three days earlier he made a wonder save to deny Ronaldinho at Wembley.

"All goalkeepers, even great ones, have spells when they make the odd mistake.

"On those occasions, I would expect support from the managers and Mancini has failed to give this.

"Some people say Hart is cocky but I don't think so.

"He is confident - there's a difference - and I have no doubt he will remain as England's No 1 for years. But if he keeps getting hammered by Mancini, I would not blame the lad for giving his future some serious consideration."

Mancini is expected to make sweeping changes across his first XI for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Leeds.