Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson was delighted with the performance of his young players in yesterday's victory over Derby.

It was four academy graduates who caught the eye against Derby, as Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland, Kasper Schmeichel and goalscoring hero Michael Johnson led the victory charge.

"It is fantastic to see so many young players doing well," said Eriksson.

"I must congratulate the club's academy for the extremely good work they have done."

England Under-21 international Johnson has forced his way into Eriksson's plans despite playing only nine first-team games prior to Saturday's opener at West Ham.

Now he has his first senior goal as well, along with heaps of praise from a former England coach.

"I saw him on TV last season," said Eriksson. "He is a very fresh boy but for his age he is also very clever.

"He can pass the ball, he can defend and he has a good engine. But above all, he is just a very good player."

Eriksson admitted his team have exceeded his expectations, although the Swede also knows City will face stiffer tests than this one.

Derby were enthusiastic opponents but once Schmeichel denied Stephen Pearson midway through the opening period, they never really looked like forcing a breakthrough.

"We can't compete with the resources of Manchester City, so we have to do our best with the money we have," said Rams boss Billy Davies.

"I don't feel there is enough arrogance about our play at the moment.

"We had a couple of chances but at this level, you have to take them."