ESPNsoccernet: England

Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has criticised Mario Balotelli for his petulance when he was substituted in Saturday's win over Sunderland.

Mario Balotelli was unimpressed at being substituted. David Platt was unimpressed with him (PA Photos)

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Balotelli went straight down the tunnel after his replacement by Sergio Aguero, with manager Roberto Mancini not looking in his direction or acknowledging the young Italian's presence as he departed.

And Platt, who confirmed that Balotelli was not going off for treatment, felt the former Inter striker should have stayed to watch his team-mates. He said: "I don't know why he walked down the tunnel. No, he wasn't injured. Should he have walked straight down the tunnel? No."

However, Mancini, a regular critic of Balotelli's behaviour, insisted he was pleased with his compatriot.

He said: "Mario worked a lot and he had a chance. I am happy with Mario, he played a good game. I think he can do better."

Aguero scored City's second goal in their 3-0 win after coming on for Balotelli, who is yet to score his first Premier League goal of the season.