Lescott aims to deny United the title at Eastlands

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has vowed to stop rivals Manchester United from claiming the Premier League title at Eastlands.

The two sides face each other on April 30, and if both sides equal their points tally leading up to the game, then Sir Alex Ferguson’s team could clinch the title at the home of their local rivals.

But Lescott is determined to deny the Red Devils a party at his club’s home ground in just over a week’s time.

“We’re aware that they could win it at our ground. If they were to win it at our place I think, for us, that would equal the pain they felt in October after (City beat United) 6-1 (at Old Trafford),” he said.

“But no matter what happens this weekend, we’re going to be looking to win that game, whether it’s for the title or just the fans alone.

“If they can clinch the title at our ground we’ll be doing everything in our power to stop that from happening. We’re not going to let it happen.”

The 29-year-old believes that not only will the title be well within their grasp if they claim all three points but it would be one of the best moments of his career.

“It’s a title decider. If we were to win it, then it would be the greatest Premier League game I’ve played in,” he said.

“But if we were to beat United and go on to win the league, then that would be the greatest game of my life.

“You can feel the excitement already. Although they might not like to admit it, United now see us as their main rivals.”

But the ex-Wolves player did concede that City need to learn from their rivals about winning when playing below par.

“They possess that winning mentality they’ve had for years. It’s a learning curve for us. If you look at our wins, most of them have been pretty emphatic,” he said.

“But there’s maybe a stage of the season when you don’t have to be impressive, you just have to win. We’re still learning that.

“Our bad spell came at the wrong end of the season but we’ve shown in the last two games what we’re capable of.

“It (the blip) was probably just that stage of the season where people are tired. Every team, every individual, has that during a season. If we can learn from it for next season, then great.”