GLENN Roeder has said that although Saturday's result was disapointing, he was pleased with the level of control the Canaries displayed.

Speaking at a press conference prior to tomorrow's game at MK Dons, the City manager said that the game against Coventry deserved to be in the Canaries favour.

"During the game and when we watched it going home on the coach, you can see that we totally controlled that match," said Roeder.  "It was ridiculous not to have taken a point, or realistically three. By the time those opportunities arrive, we should be over the hill and far away.

Looking back on the performance of his team in City's season curtain-raiser, Roeder was positive that his squad were the best prepared side. Asked how his team differed to their opposition, the manager was optimistic. " I think our match fitness was a different class to Coventry's. Our fitness was terrific and we certainly didn't have anyone go down with cramp.

"The only one who came off because I didn't want to risk him was Arturo, because he came here from Fiorentina having had low tempo training there and I thought he did well to keep going as long as he did. Certainly in the first half when he was full of energy, he looked a real threat. That's the player I remember at Arsenal and Derby - most of the time at Derby he had to play out of position in wide left.

"Once he gets faced up to a defender entering the final third, most times he's only got one thought and that's to get past the defender and get the shot away. That's what I want, a very positive thinking player, you can see him getting better and better once he gets his full match fitness."