Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has revealed Sven Goran Eriksson rates his team the best Manchester City have faced this season.

After their 1-0 defeat yesterday, Bruce said: "We gave Elano one bit of space - and he scores. But we did not deserve to get beaten.

"The longer the game went on, the more comfortable we got - and Sven said we were the best team they had met.

"It is all very well getting plaudits, but we need a few points on the board to match the performances we are putting in.

"The team could have had a lot more points on the board, and I am happy with what I have seen from my squad so far."