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Manuel Pellegrini spoke after the Norwich game of the need for supporters to back up Wilfried Bony .

And his words echoed the thoughts of Blues great Mike Summerbee, who writes a column in the matchday programme.

Despite three goals for the Blues in October, Bony struggled to impress a number of City fans who appear unconvinced the former Swansea man has what it takes to make it at the Etihad.

The criticism continued after his performance against Norwich, when he missed a number of chances in a tight game. But Summerbee is not impressed by what he sees as fans prematurely judging the player.

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"I am a bit concerned that some of our fans are on his back so soon after his arrival from Swansea," he said.

“I don’t like it when our fans are too quick to judge and start picking on on one player. We are better than that.

“I could reel off a very long list of names of players who started slowly at City – and many other clubs – and yet finished their time as genuine terrace heroes. Shaun Goater would be one of those.

“Wilfried was ill all summer, missed pre-season and has had a limited run in the team.But the lad scored his third goal in three home games on Wednesday!

“Bony is a top class striker – we know that from watching him play for Swansea – and I am sure he will find his feet and score very important goals for us as he has this month.”