Mancini: Title destiny in City´s hands

Roberto Mancini feels the English Premier League title is now Manchester City’s to lose after their 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Vincent Kompany’s first-half header at Etihad Stadium on Monday earned City a vital victory, and sent them top of the table courtesy of their superior goal difference.

With two rounds of the season left to play, City are now in control of their destiny, needing only to match United’s results to seal their first title of the Premier League era.

“It was an important result … because I think now the chance is in our hands,” City manager Mancini said.

“I’m not just happy for myself, I’m happy for our supporters.

“Now we can talk about everything, but we need to play our last two games.”

“They wanted to take a draw instead. I think this is the difference – we wanted to win, we took our chance and we played better.”

“We deserved to win. We had the better chances. It was difficult because they played with men behind the ball. It was not always easy to find a way past that.”

With United set to play mid-table opposition in Swansea and Sunderland, and City up against Champions League-chasing Newcastle and relegation-threatened QPR, Mancini said Ferguson’s side have an easier run in.

“United … they have an easier run-in,” he said.

“They play against Swansea and Sunderland – these two teams are strong – but in this moment, for United, it will be easier.

“Instead, we face two tough games – Newcastle and QPR, with one playing for Champions League and one playing to avoid relegation.

“The result doesn’t change anything. We are out in front, but we need to win the next two games.”

Ferguson conceded City are now in the driving seat to win the title, and feels their superior goal difference (plus eight goals) would likely be decisive.

“They are in the driving seat now,” Ferguson said.

“They only need to win two games of football.

“It’s not over yet, of course, as long as there’s games still to play, it’s not over.

“We’ve both got the same points, but they have an eight-goal advantage and that’s a great advantage to have at this time in the season.”