Manchester City defender Micah Richards was pleased to be alongside Joleon Lescott for victory over Sunderland.

With captain Vincent Kompany out through injury, the 29-year-old played alongside Richards in the back line.

Richards told City TV: "He is a quality defender.

"A lot of people don't understand how good he is - well, people do because he is playing for England - but he really is a top-class centre-back, one of the best in the league.

"I think last season and at the start of this season he has shown that."