Manchester City have recently went through a tough period and now find themselves second in the Premier League (and second-favourites for the title with any major sportsbook).
For so long the Citizens looked like they were going to claim the title with ease.
Yet now they are behind arch rivals Manchester United and like they are wobbling under the pressure.
Confident
However, City boss Roberto Mancini is confident that his side will win the league title. The Italian told Sky Sports: “We will win the title, we will win. We will do everything to win the title. We need to think positive always.
“Until now we have had a fantastic Premier League, we need to continue like this. We play one game a week, we can have more concentration about this.”
It sounds like he is almost trying to convince himself that City are going to win the Premier League title. Mancini must know that Manchester United are now in pole position, with City facing some difficult fixtures ahead.
Difficult
City are currently four points behind their arch-rivals Manchester United. On Wednesday night they host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in desperate need of a victory. A few weeks ago this game would probably have been a walk over for City.
However, under caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo Chelsea have suddenly found their form. The Blues are also in need of the points in the race for Champions League football next season. Granted City have a fantastic home record but I think this game has came at a bad time for Mancini’s men.
Away
Manchester City’s home form has been nothing short of outstanding. They have won every single game at the Etihad Stadium this season and looked simply imperious.
However away from home Mancini’s men have struggled in recent weeks. City have struggled to score goals away in recent games and have suffered 1-0 defeats at both Everton and Swansea.
That lack of offensive threat must worry Mancini because if City’s away form doesn’t improve their home record won’t matter, they will fail to win the title regardless of their strong home form. City have difficult trips to Newcastle and Arsenal to come in the last ten games and it won’t be easy.
Déjà vu
Manchester United have a habit of catching up with teams when they have been miles ahead. The Red Devils have done it to the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal in the Premier League years and it hasn’t surprised me that they have caught up to City.
United have the experience of these sorts of situations and the know-how on how to get the job done. It now seems to be in the clubs DNA.
Attitude
Its Manchester United’s famous never-say-die attitude that seems to drag them back from the brink of failure in title races. The spirit that has long been instilled in the players through veteran boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
When City were ten points ahead at the top of the Premier League table, a lot of people thought that the Citizens had the title wrapped up. However most football supporters know that you write Manchester United off at your peril.
Close
Despite United’s current lead at the top of the Premier League, I still expect the title race to be relatively close and it will probably go down to the last few weeks of the season. The game between City and United on April 30th at the Etihad Stadium could still prove the decisive fixture.
However for that game to matter City need to overcome some big obstacles and tough challenges. If they overcome those obstacles then they have a good chance of catching their arch-rivals. If not then they will again be looking on in envy, as their arch-rivals claim the Premier League trophy yet again.
Will Manchester City win the Premier League title?
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