Could Manchester City’s Title Hopes Hinge On This Man?

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has had a mixed bag since arriving at the Etihad in the summer. His side currently sit six points behind leaders Arsenal after 11 games and there has been a huge reason for that – City’s away form.

The Manchester club have played six Premier League games away from home this season and lost four of those, which considering the opposition – Cardiff, Aston Villa and Sunderland are three of the four – City fans have every right to be worried.

I’m not a Premier League tactician, in fact my only experience in football management is a few seasons on Championship manager back in 2004, but for me it’s a case of setting up narrower than usual on the road.

Pellegrini loves his wingers. He has added an emphasis on wide play with the likes of Jesus Navas coming into the club and David Silva and Samir Nasri operating from the touchline. But when travelling I would suggest sticking James Milner on the flank.

Although not the most glamorous, Milner is able to tuck inside and he loves to defend. He’s a stocky winger who can put in a great ball, but he’s not the quickest and would provide some much needed cover when the opponents have the ball.

He has played in five of the six away defeats, but mainly as a substitute, and has won all 10 of his tackles.

He may be written off by some, but the way I see it is that the away form is what City’s title chances now hinge on and the man I see fixing that is Milner.

City fans, do you think that he is as important as I do?