MANCINI PLAYS DOWN TITLE
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Even though Manchester City capped a remarkable comeback in the Premier league after the 1-0 win, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini refused to say that his team were the favourites to win the title this season.
Immediately after dropping eight points behind Manchester United a few weeks ago, Roberto Mancini said that it was Manchester United's title to lose. The mind game, surprisingly, worked its magic, as United dropped points against Wigan and Everton in the run-up to the Manchester derby. As a result of the five dropped points, only three points separated United from City ahead of the Manchester derby.
This match was billed as the biggest in the Premier league season, as City had the weaponry in order to deal with the threat of United for many seasons. Vincent Kompany scored the only goal of the game, which turned out to be extremely disappointing for Manchester United, who have only three attempts on goal during the entire match. Ferguson said ahead of the match that he will be trying to attack because it is the way the club has always played its football. However, the negative approach by Ferguson coupled with the attacking tactics of Mancini meant that City are now in the forefront for the title.
However, Mancini said that it is still United who have the advantage because of their easy fixture list. "It's a great victory but we have two difficult games left and United have two easy games. We now have the chance for the title in our hands. Manchester United are still favourites. Swansea and Sunderland [United's opponents] have nothing to play for. I am very happy that we are top but it doesn't change anything. Football is crazy," Mancini said after the match. City will be facing Newcastle and QPR in the remaining two matches.