Nasri gets one over on Hart

They say that players always have an advantage playing against domestic teammates on the international stage, and Samir Nasri appears to have used this advantage in sublime fashion in France’s recent meeting with England. The City midfielder completely bamboozled Joe Hart when he curled an effort into the near post from the edge of the area – and claimed that Hart will have been expecting him to do what he usually does and bend it towards the far post.

Nasri, who was clearly delighted on the conquest, said immediately after, “I decided to take a shot but Joe Hart knows me from Manchester City and knows that in that situation, I normally open my foot. This time I closed it a little bit so I am happy with how it worked out.”

Many pundits were shocked at the goal and considering Hart’s reputation in the game, most thought he should have dealt with the effort much better. However, following Nasri’s revelation, one can have at least some sympathy with Hart who otherwise had a highly impressive game for the Three Lions.

However, one thing that hasn’t gone down in the Nasri camp is the Frenchman’s goal celebration. Following a somewhat torrid time at City this term, Nasri proceeded to put his finger to his lips and gesture towards the press box after his goal. The player’s father, Abdelhamid, has said that this celebration was totally unnecessary, “I’ve explained to Samir that it wasn’t the best way to respond. I don’t give my backing to mood swings like that. He shouldn’t have made this gesture because people, including children, are watching and because the whole country was behind him.”

As well as his goal, Nasri was one of France’s best performers on Monday. It now remains to be seen if he can continue such form throughout Euro 2012, and also bring it back for City next term.