GEORGIOS Samaras came off the bench to fire City to their third consecutive Premiership victory.

The Greek striker, who has been criticised for his lacklustre performances this season, finished from close range before sealing a New Year victory from the penalty spot.

Leon Osman scored a consolation for the Toffees but the Blues held on to complete an impressive festive haul of nine points from four games.

Not since September 23 has Cityés é6million striker Samaras found the net.

But his half-time introduction for fellow mis-firing forward Bernardo Corradi inspired the Blues to a third successive league win for the first time since August 2005, consolidating their position in the top half of the Premiership table.

As the transfer window opens, Samarasé efforts could not be any better timed given the serious misgivings many City fans have over their quarter of forwards.

And, having seen his Greek forward finally come good, Blues boss Stuart Pearce might feel more confident about rejecting any big money offer for youngster Micah Richards, should it eventually arrive.

Anyone still believing the Premiership to be the best league in the world would do well to get a tape of the opening period, which was not only virtually devoid of chances but any incident worthy of note.

Whistled

Everton striker Andrew Johnson did his best with a shot that whistled wide inside the opening 30 seconds. But after that it was downhill all the way to Uriah Rennieés half-time whistle.

Admittedly, Johnson could easily have been looking back on an Everton penalty, only for his unfortunate reputation for going to ground too easily again to count against him.

Just over a fortnight after Jose Mourinho implied Johnson had dived against Chelsea, the England forward hit the deck again, shoved in the back by Richard Dunne close to the goal-line as the pair chased a loose ball.

TV replays showed Dunne had made no contact with the ball but Rennie snubbed Evertonés spot-kick claims anyway.

The Yorkshire official also waved away Cityés half-hearted appeals later in the half when sturdy Everton defender Joleon Lescott appeared to stop Bernardo Corradiés shot with a hand.

Given Lescott was barely half a yard away from the goal-shy Italian striker at the time, the decision seemed fair enough.

In between, little happened of any note and certainly nothing to rival Cityés robust pre-match denial of any bid from Chelsea, or anyone else, of é13million for Richards, who is reportedly at the top of Jose Mourinhoés hit-list as he looks solve the championsé well-publicised defensive problems.

So threadbare is Stuart Pearceés midfield just now that Richards has been pressed into emergency service at the heart of Cityés engine room.

It is hardly the 18-year-oldés best position but even against experienced opponents such as Lee Carsley and Mikel Arteta, Richards held his own, which says something about his blossoming talent.

The Bluesé long-suffering fans are understandably keen for Richards, and currently suspended midfielder Joey Barton, to stay at Eastlands, even though Pearceés hopes of major transfer window surgery probably depend on one of them leaving.

Form

Yet most City supporters also accept the current striking situation is untenable.

Prior to today, the clubés four recognised front-men had scored in a sum total of three league games, contributing five goals, exactly the same number as Barton has managed on his own.

In his 45 minute appearance, Corradi did little to suggest he is suddenly about to hit form. For Samaras though, it was one of those days when it is entirely understandable why Pearce felt it necessary to make him the second most expensive player in the clubés history behind Nicolas Anelka.

His goal was certainly well-taken, the Greece international continuing his run after breaking forward and feeding Darius Vassell to his left before finishing at the near post when his strike partner delivered a low cross.

But Samaras also inspired those around him, especially Vassell, who looked a changed man in the second half and whose pace caught out Tim Howard as the Everton keeper inexplicably chopped him inside the box when Joseph Yobo appeared to be running his opponent out of play.

His confidence levels raised, Samaras calmly slotted home his second from the spot.

It should have been game over but Osman caused a few anxious moments when he turned home Phil Nevilleés cut-back late on.

Nevertheless, City held on and, given the right results and a bit of inspired recruitment, maybe a European spot is not beyond them over the coming months.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.