Dunne accepts anger of City fans

Dunne admitted Saturday's performance was not good enough

Manchester City's Richard Dunne admits he and his team-mates deserved the abuse by their own fans after their dismal 4-0 loss at Wigan on Saturday.

Skipper Dunne also scored an own goal as Wigan inflicted City's heaviest defeat of the season.

"The fans are so loyal and behind us that when they do turn on the players, it is even more noticeable and hits us quite hard," he told the club website.

"Having said that, it is what we should expect and what we deserve."

I was angry, everyone in the dressing room was angry with themselves because, on the day, no-one performed Richard Dunne

Even chairman John Wardle labelled the performance as 'an embarrassment', warning any repeat would not be tolerated, while manager Stuart Pearce admitted there would be no shirking of responsibility for him or his players.

"We didn't perform," added Dunne. "It was a terrible start and we never realistically looked like getting back into the game.

"I was angry, everyone in the dressing room was angry with themselves because, on the day, no-one performed. We have to look at ourselves and admit it was not good enough."

However, there is a glimmer of hope for City ahead of Monday's Premiership game against Middlesbrough, with as many as five players back from injury.

"We are hoping as many as possible will return to training by the end of the week, including Hatem Trabelsi, Stephen Ireland, Sylvain Distin, Claudio Reyna and, probably, DaMarcus Beasley," confirmed Pearce.

Ben Thatcher will also be available, having completed his eight-match ban.