David Platt applauds Mario Balotelli's confidence

Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has praised the confidence of Mario Balotelli after the striker scored a stoppage-time penalty to snatch City a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hostpur this afternoon.

The Italian substitute was fouled in the box by Ledley King before stepping up himself to take the spot-kick and send the Citizens eight points clear of their opponents.

"Mario has got that ability to put a penalty like that away. With penalties he's got full confidence in himself, he looks at the keeper and tries to make the keeper make a mistake," said Platt.

However the controversial striker could have been sent off earlier in proceedings after appearing to stamp on Spurs midfielder Scott Parker.

"I haven't seen the incident with Balotelli so I can't comment on it until I see it," said Platt.

Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott were also on the scoresheet as City moved six points clear of rivals Manchester United at the Premier League summit.