Shaun smiles better after Chelsea exit

Mark Hughes believes Shaun Wright-Phillips has got his smile back since he left Chelsea to return to Manchester City.

Wright-Phillips played a starring role last night, being brought down for City's opener before wrapping up a 2-0 win over Aston Villa with a well-taken effort two minutes from time.

Wright-Phillips has been City's major attacking weapon for much of the season and Hughes is delighted with the winger's form.

The manager said: "There is joy in his game. He has always played with a smile on his face but your enthusiasm can soon be blunted if you are not playing every week.

"Shaun has come back from Chelsea as a better player but he has come back to what he regards as his club and I felt he did really well."

Villa have now gone six games without a win and seen their lead over Arsenal in the battle for fourth spot shrink to three points. Their manager, Martin O'Neill, said: "Maybe we are being a bit naive thinking we can challenge those top four sides but, whatever happens, we should relish the challenge.

"We are not nervous - we are excited."