Manning toasts New York collective

Just a day after being named Super Bowl MVP for the second time, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning paid tribute to his team-mates.

The 31-year-old was instrumental in his side’s 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in Indianapolis on Sunday, completing 30 of 40 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown.

Manning’s performance resembled the one he produced in the 2008 showpiece, when he led the Giants to a 17-14 win over the Patriots to claim his first Super Bowl ring.

On Sunday he became only the third active quarterback to win multiple Super Bowl rings along with Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and his opposite number on Sunday, Tom Brady.

Despite the accolades, Manning said it had been a fantastic effort from the whole team.

“I thought we had a good plan,” Manning said. “They were challenging us to run and they kept two safeties back for a lot of the time.”

“We ran ball effectively, throwing the ball on the flats, taking short stuff – taking what they gave us.”

“Second half, they had a whole new plan. They went to reform and then (there) was lots more pressure. The guys responded and adjusted well and it was a great game and the guys made some great plays.”

In a classic encounter, the Giants came from behind to seal their fourth Super Bowl crown.

The Patriots led 17-15 with just over one minute to go when Ahmad Bradshaw fell into the end zone to score the decisive touchdown, putting the Giants up 21-17.

New England had the chance for one final drive, but the Giants’ defence saw off Brady’s hopeful long-range pass to record a famous victory.