With the two Manchester clubs going head-to-head in the title race for the majority of the season so far, this weekend could be the moment where United finally break free for good. With the gap currently standing at five points, a win for United against QPR and a defeat for City would surely kill off Mancini’s title ambitions this season.
United seem to be the in-form side in the League at the moment, and show no signs of taking their foot off the gas, leaving City needing to look at winning all of their remaining games. The fixture list for the remaining 7 matches appears relatively straightforward for the Reds and they will expect to pick up close to maximum points, particularly with four home games. While some people say that the title will come down to a showdown between the two Manchester clubs when they meet at the end of April, realistically it could be pretty much done and dusted this weekend.
If Arsenal win, then presuming United beat QPR at home, the gap becomes eight points. This would see United having to lose at least two games and drop points elsewhere before the end of the season if they were to forfeit the title. That’s if City win all their remaining games. However, a win for City keeps the gap to five, and means they could go into the derby at the Etihad knowing a win takes them within touching distance of United. A two point gap with two games to play makes for a nervy and pressured end to the campaign as opposed to Ferguson’s men only needing a point or so to clinch it at most.
Manchester United have been showing their usual signs of improving in the latter stages of the season, with resilient performances and consecutive wins. Their confidence is only going to go up if their rivals drop points as the finish line comes into view. If Ferguson’s men have the upper hand going into the game at the Etihad, then they know they can land the finishing blow that ends City’s hopes. There would be no feeling of looking over their shoulder, but more a motivation to overcome just one more hurdle to achieve their title ambitions. But if City went in with a run of form and their strikers scoring goals, it may put United on edge a little under the intimidating surroundings of City’s home turf.
Wenger knows that his side need a win on Sunday too, to stay ahead of Spurs and maintain some form of stranglehold on the Champions League places. A loss for them potentially puts them in the clutches of the chasing pack of Chelsea and Newcastle. So if City can pick up three points at the Emirates it will be a huge confidence boost for them, and should set them up nicely for the run of games up to the derby. However, a loss creates a sense of their challenge slipping away and they begin to rely on results elsewhere to help them out. Essentially, a victory on Sunday gives Mancini some replenished sense of control over his team’s destiny in the Premier League this season.
No-one would really criticise Mancini and his players if they lost a closely fought battle with Arsenal under normal circumstances, but now the chips are well and truly down and the fans will want a win regardless of how they go about it. It’s a game that requires key men and experienced heads to come to the forefront and lead by example so that they can rally the troops for a big end of season push. Going away without the three points effectively takes the influence of these players away because it puts the title race out of their hands and at United’s disposal.
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