Hart talks down one-man show

4 October 2012 04:11

Goalkeeper Joe Hart sought to play down his importance after Manchester City salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Borusssia Dortmund on Wednesday.

England international Hart produced several exceptional saves to deny the impressive Bundesliga title holders in the Champions League clash at Etihad Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 with time running out, City were awarded a fortunate penalty for a handball against Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.

Substitute Mario Balotelli dispatched the spot-kick to earn a share of the spoils, but Hart was undeniably the man of the match for the home team.

"It is nice to make some saves but it is not something I have to do a great deal of at Manchester City," Hart said.

"When required I always try to step in and I was required a few times tonight."

After giving up a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 away to Real Madrid on matchday one, City must now aim to beat Ajax home and away in their next two matches if they are to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

"Dortmund are a fantastic team, they were the pot four side in our group which shows what a fantastic group we are in and what a tough task we have," Hart said.

"We have got to enjoy it and if we get through we can take a big pat on the back but we have to big games coming up against Ajax.

"Ideally we would look to win all our games like we looked to win tonight but sometimes you have to take what you are given and it will be a big game in Ajax.

"First and foremost it is away from home which is always tough in the Champions League and hopefully we can improve on last time.

Dortmund were understandably frustrated by the referee's decision to penalise Subotic, after Sergio Aguero's shot from point-blank rangecame off the defender's thigh and onto his hand.

"Never. Not a chance," Subotic told Sky Sports when asked if it was a penalty.

"He shoots from half a yard and I just have my hand. I've just seen the pictures, but obviously I have a hand, I can't cut it off and he hits it.

"I think it's clear to see in the pictures that I wasn't trying to get to the ball because I didn't have time to react. Therefore, it was never in my life a penalty."