City dominated for large spells, but had to bounce back from going in 1-0 down at the break thanks to a stunning Steve Morison strike. Tom Trybull powered in a brilliant header to level the scores, and then Alex Pritchard slipped in James Maddison, who finished coolly to give City the win.

“It was a brilliant start to the New Year,” Daniel Farke said. “We had four points out of the two away games, and I spoke to the lads before the game and said winning this home game would make it a really decent run. And now we can look up the table a bit more, because we’ve improved our distance to the teams below us.”

Despite creating plenty of chances in the first 45 minutes, City found themselves once again going in at the break 1-0 down.

“To be 1-0 down after such a first-half, you have to ask yourself what have we done?” Farke said. “We created so many chances, and then they lead with a first shot at goal from 32 metres directly into the top corner, so sometimes you have these unlucky situations. I said it was a good first half, so we gave them trust at half-time and the second half was even better.

“It was a totally deserved win and we created so many chances, scored two brilliant goals and hit the crossbar and had many good situations additionally. It’s important we’re also there with a good defending behaviour. We’ve conceded only one goal in our last three games, and we’ve also created a lot of chances.”

Farke was impressed with the link-up play between Pritchard and Maddison, who combined brilliantly for City’s winner.

“They both can make a difference, and when they’re both together it’s really complicated for the opponents to stop us. When they’re both on the pitch our game is on a higher level. I’m not worried if they attract interest because it means they’re playing well. I’m thankful I’m able to work with these two boys, but also with all of the lads.”

Farke was happy to give the City fans a great start to 2018. “It’s been a season of big chance, and it must be difficult for supporters to see us struggle at home sometimes after we were in the Premier League recently, so I’m really pleased we gave this present for the fans at the start of the New Year.”

Daniel Farke: A brilliant start to the New Year

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