They’ve done it again so far this season too, picking up victories against Q.P.R, Norwich and Swansea, but last year’s campaign questioned City’s credentials as title contenders as they came unstuck against the bigger teams. Convincing and at times comprehensive, defeats to Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool ensured that Manchester City finished 3rd, 9 points off of their rivals, Manchester United, who won the top-flight for the 19th time.
This season it is Manchester City that can go into Christmas as the league leaders, but it isn’t just their improved form against the top teams that are keeping Manchester City as the pace setters. In a modern game, increasingly lacking in demure, it is Mancini’s modest approach, becoming more and more transpired through his players too with every interview, that could act as a strong foundation for the richly-assembled squad to go on and win City’s first top-flight title in over 40 years.
“We can’t think that we can win the title without a fight from United,” said Mancini, appreciating that experience can often stand strong against talent, “It’s impossible.” Mancini’s demeanor, the coiffed hair, brazen scarf and affable suits make his appeal all the more thorough and the attitude he display, is setting his players in the right mindset for a title challenge in which, despite the evident quality and unparalleled form so far this season, they don’t seem to be the favourites to everyone.
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If there’s one man you want on board to disseminate a message from the manager to the fans, the players, the world, it is the only player playing every week that has been there since his youth career: Micah Richards.
“Just because we were clear for so long does not mean we’re going to walk the title,” said the England international, “In my mind there is no pressure on us because teams like United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have been doing it for so long.” He continued to emphasize the Mancini-imposed philosophy of continuity, which is becoming ever more present at the Etihad – they’re unbeaten there in 2011 at home winning 26 from 28 and drawing two, “‘It’s about carrying on doing what we’ve been doing.
We’ve done well because we feel there’s no pressure on us.
We just go out and play our football.” If City continue to impress against the best, there is no stopping them in their quest for the Premier League, ‘We came into the season just trying to build on last time and fighting United, who are current champions. To win the league would be a massive achievement.”
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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