Last year’s Premier league campaign saw the most dramatic of climaxes when Manchester City clinched the title at the dying seconds of the campaign much like Arsenal’s triumph over Liverpool back in 1989.
Manchester United who were ahead of City by 8 points and with 6 games remaining in the league United blew up their lead allowing their rivals to lift the title and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants avoid such situations this season when he briefed about United’s chances of winning the league this term and has warned his players to step up and stay focused.
“You hope that the players realise that the league is there for them [to win],” the Daily Star quotes Ferguson as saying. “It’s obviously a big challenge and we’ve got the FA Cup and the Champions League as well. It’s always an important time.
“The players have shown great appetite for it. They showed that against Tottenham in the way they fought like hell to get a [1-1 draw] and were unlucky it went against them at the end. But we’re definitely in the right shape.”
United are currently leading City by 9 points and though a hefty number of games are yet to be played in the season, given City’s inconsistent performances this term, Sir Alex Ferguson looks destined to march his side to another league title.
Meanwhile, City ace Yaya Toure is confident that his side can repeat last year’s accomplishment and successfully defend their title. Toure, who returned to England from a disappointing African Cup Of Nations tournament with Ivory Coast feels City can still come back this season.
“We are further behind than we’d like, of course, but all we need to do is think about last season to know what is possible,” the 29-year-old told the clubs official website. My friends are all here and are happy to see me and we are like a family or brothers who will all fight together – and that is a very important thing to have.
“United have a strong squad and, on paper, they have an easier run in than we do but the title race is a long way from finished. It only takes a couple of results to go our way and we’re right back in it – I’m sure we’ll come back.”
City face Southampton this week while Man Utd face Everton.