Lescott takes criticism on the chin

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott accepts the criticism coming the team's way but believes the situation can quickly change.

City are yet to rediscover the panache that carried them to the Barclays Premier League title last season and it may already be too late to salvage their Champions League hopes.

One area of concern has been the form of the defence with the usually formidable Vincent Kompany below his best and Lescott in and out of the side, but the former Everton man said: "It is one of those things. Last season we were scoring at will and not conceding many goals. We got a lot of plaudits so, rightly so, we are in for criticism now because we are conceding more goals."

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