Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium last night may have put the Citizens three points clear at the top of the Premier League table but the title race is very much alive.
We are just heading into the time of the season when Manchester United start to really hit form.
Slip-ups
Manchester City had looked unbeatable in the league until the last few weeks when they have suffered two defeats.
The Citizens are not unbeatable but they are a superb outfit. Manchester United also slipped-up against Blackburn but I don’t believe they will slip again too many times this season.
United winger Nani has stated that his side can’t afford to suffer anymore more slip-ups and he is right. If United do slip up then City could take advantage.
Experience
Manchester United have the experience of competing for the Premier League title every season since the competition was re-branded. They are much more accustomed to competing for the big trophies and that experience will be important in the second half of the season.
Although Manchester City are a good set of individuals as a team they are not used to competing for the big trophies. Only a few of City’s players are accustomed to challenging for big trophies at other clubs.
Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure have won the Champions League and domestic titles at Inter and Barcelona respectively. However the rest of the squad have hardly any experience of winning trophies. This could prove vital when the pressure is on.
City ended 30-odd years without a trophy by winning the FA Cup last season. To win the Premier League would give the whole club a huge psychological lift, just like the FA Cup victory gave them.
Vital
Tonight’s visit to Newcastle’s St James Park (I refuse to call it the other name) will be vital for Manchester United. The champions head into the clash three points behind their arch-rivals and behind on goal difference.
United will be boosted by the return of talisman Wayne Rooney, after the England international missed the Blackburn defeat on disciplinary grounds. Rooney is a key player for United and one of the players that makes things happen in the Red Devils team.
Newcastle haven’t beaten Manchester United in the last 18 Premier League clashes and the Red Devils have won 13 of those games.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be expected to gain victory on Tyneside. They were also expected to beat Blackburn though. However the United players know that this game is far too important to lose and they won’t show so much complacency.
Long
The season still has a long way to go and many more twists and turns. Tottenham may still believe they have a chance of catching the two Manchester clubs but I think a title challenge this season is unrealistic.
The only two teams that can possibly win the Premier League are from Manchester. I wouldn’t like to be the one who predicted which side will win the title though as I still think it’s too tight to call. If Manchester United fail to win tonight though and their rivals will gain the upper hand.
Is the Premier League title race still alive?
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