Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli earn Roberto Mancini praise

Mancini relieved to resume winning ways

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini praised Micah Richards after the full-back made a telling contribution to his team's 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

He scored one and was brought down for a penalty as City maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The display comes after he was left out of the England squad for last week's friendly wins over Spain and Sweden.
"I love Micah Richards as a guy and a player," said Mancini. "I'd like it if he plays always like he did today."
Sergio Aguero scored from the spot after Richards was fouled by Hatem Ben Arfa, Mario Balotelli having opened the scoring with another penalty after Ryan Taylor had handled.
Mancini made special mention of his 21-year-old Italian striker, who also received praise from Italy coach Cesare Prandelli during the week.
"The penalty from Mario was fabulous," Mancini said. "It is impossible for him to miss one penalty - I don't know why.
"I'm just helping him not to waste his talent and to make sure he becomes the player he can become. The rest is down to him and he is doing very well."