Regardless of City’s win, the title race is over
Joe Hart following Manchester City’s win over Chelsea on Sunday suggested that the Citizens won’t stop battling for the title even with a 12 point difference and one game to go. Now, while this is mathematically impossible, unless Manchester United are found guilty of match fixing a la Calciopoli in 2006, it’s a excellent show of strength from the England international.
Having saved a Frank Lampard penalty in the 2-0 win over the Blues at a pivotal period during which the scores were level at the Etihad Stadium, the win simply closed the gap between the two sides from 15 points to 12.
After a routine 2-0 win at QPR on Saturday, United looked impenetrable. Granted, the R’s are hardly the most prolific of teams in front of goal, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are doing just enough to ensure they land their 13th Premier League title.
With an impressive point gap in place and only 11 games remaining of the season, it’s fair to say that the title is all but United’s to throw away. More notably, of course, is the fact that this side are yet to really step out of second gear to secure the domestic piece of silverware.
Granted, the goalscoring exploits of Robin van Persie and defensive capabilities of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic may have been of another level during their respective time on the pitch, but as a collective unit; United aren’t even playing to their very best.
In comparison to City who have tried time and time again to play football to the highest standard, only to come away empty handed, and the difference in quality couldn’t be wider. The fact that United can garner such a difference between first a second place is a testament to the mental toughness that they’ve developed over years of practise, with Ferguson the cornerstone to their success.
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