Bridge is still missing with a knee injury but the City stars - including Gareth Barry - felt it was important to show their backing for the England full-back, who has found himself at the centre of a media storm following revelations of John Terry's affair with the 29-year-old's former girlfriend. In a statement released on Saturday, Bridge outlined his intention not to speak about Terry's relationship with Vanessa Perroncel and was interested only in the welfare of their three-year-old son. But Bridge is known to be deeply distressed about the situation, not least because he regarded Terry as his friend, even to the extent he considered quitting the England team. And the City players showed whose side they are on with their statement, which Roberto Mancini recognised. "The players are very close to Wayne," said Mancini. "He is a fantastic player and a good guy. It was a nice gesture." Mancini was also full of praise for Emmanuel Adebayor, who scored City's first in a 2-0 win that moved them to within a point of that prize fourth spot. It was the Togo striker's first goal since his horrific experience at the African Nations Cup when three of his country's backroom staff, including their driver, were killed in a gun attack on their team bus. "I am very happy for Emmanuel to score this goal," said Mancini. "It was an incredible situation he has been involved in. For his sake I hope he can forget it but I think both he, and his family, know he has been very lucky." Vincent Kompany added another with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time that ensured City gained maximum points against a limited Portsmouth outfit without ever getting near to their best. "Physically we were probably a bit tired after the Manchester United game last Wednesday," said Mancini. "There are three or four teams who are pushing for fourth spot and we will keep fighting until the end of the season to get it." It was also confirmed Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta broke his nose in a first-half collision with Kevin-Prince Boateng, while a deadline-day move for Parma's Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga is anticipated.
