Manchester City’s defence ‘stronger with Hart’, says Richard Dunne

Manchester City’s poor defending in Saturday’s defeat at Leicester would not have happened with Joe Hart in goal, according to former City defender Richard Dunne.

The Citizens conceded three goals in the first 20 minutes at the King Power Stadium as they slumped to a 4-2 defeat.

Jamie Vardy bagged a hat-trick, with Andy King also curling home for the hosts. Aleksandar Kolarov and Nolito hit late consolations for City.

Hart is currently on loan at Italian Serie A side Torino, after manager Pep Guardiola signed Chilean stopper Claudio Bravo from Barcelona in August.

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Bravo and the City backline have come in for criticism in recent weeks for being too weak, with Vardy’s third goal coming directly from a misplaced John Stones pass.

City have won just four times in 15 matches in all competitions, and sit fourth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

Dunne, who made more than 350 appearances for City, believes the absence of England number one Hart is a key factor to the Blues’ defensive fragility.

“There’s no shape, there’s no leader on the pitch who is organising it,” Dunne said.

“As far back as the goalkeeper, there doesn’t look like there’s any communication.

“Joe Hart is one person who always spoke for Man City and you could always hear him.

“Maybe someone like him would sort the team out defensively.”