Manchester City boss Mark Hughes was delighted with Pablo Zabaleta's performance against Fulham on Saturday.

He told City's website: "He kept joining in, he kept trying to make things happen in that final third without ever forsaking his defensive work, which is still very important for us. I thought he played really well, he had a very positive impact on the game. He was always looking to join in in attack, and he put in a great ball from the right for Benjani's header.

"Pablo is a good professional, he understands the game and the times when you need someone to be resolute. You need someone to make the right decisions at the right times, and he is certainly one of those players.

"The fullbacks give you an outlet from defence, they can be freed at the right times to give the side an overlap and Pablo helped in that on Saturday."