Erratic Man City find money does not buy European success

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is discovering the adage 'money can't buy you happiness' extends to European success after a 2-2 draw at home to Ajax Amsterdam left their Champions League hopes in tatters.

Mancini was left raging at Danish referee Peter Rasmussen, who disallowed Sergio Aguero's effort and ignored Mario Balotelli's late penalty appeal but his anger might have been better directed at his team and their defensive lapses.

City's multi-million pound squad have failed to make an impact in Europe with some erratic performances.

The Premier League champions, roundly criticised when outclassed by Ajax last month, were 2-0 down after 17 minutes at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday thanks to some dismal defending.

"It is not just (the defending) in this competition but in the Premier League and everything else," former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness said on Sky Sports.

"Tonight the problem came from set pieces. Last year with Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany in the team they looked unbeatable and if anything came into the box one of them was getting their head to it.

"They are a team still scratching for the performances they had last year and they are not there yet," added Souness.

City are bottom of Group D with two points from their four games, six behind leaders Dortmund.

Mathematically they still have a slim chance of reaching the knockout stage if they beat Real Madrid at home and then win in Dortmund if other results go their way.