#360debate: Are Man City out of the title race?

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • After their defeat at Liverpool, Pep claimed City are focusing on the top four.

    Pep Guardiola’s side are 10 points behind Chelsea and haven’t convinced since their fine start.

    As a result of recent inconsistent form, we ask: Are Manchester City out of the Premier League title race?

    Let us know what you think by commenting below, tweeting at us using #360fans or getting in touch via Facebook.

    ALAM KHAN, Premier League Reporter, SAYS YES 

    Manchester City’s Premier League title battles in recent years have been entwined with the message of ‘We fight to the end’.

    Based on two epic campaigns in 2012 and 2014, they were champions after coming from behind. That mantra will no doubt be adopted now as they stand 10 points behind leaders Chelsea. But there’s defiance and being delusional.

    Right now, City are not going to win it because they are not good enough – and even face a fight for a top-four finish.

    For all their experience and wonderful talent they are inconsistent and infuriating and Pep Guardiola may not have enough time, and the right personnel, to put it right this season.

    His reputation has made him seem invincible, but Guardiola is not and mistakes have been made. Among them was not keeping Joe Hart around to put Claudio Bravo under pressure, and not resolving his issues with Yaya Toure’s agent earlier and thus ignoring a player of his calibre for three months. But, more obvious, has been his players looking muddled and exposed by constant tinkering of tactics and formation.

    Perhaps it was to help cover up deficiencies. But it’s been clear for some time that new, younger, ambitious players were needed to take the club further forward. This was not a blank canvas where Guardiola could revel in being as creative as he desired. As willing, as good or as loyal as they have been, many in this side cannot do what he demands yet – or perhaps are too young, too old, and too set in their ways. Guardiola may be a genius, but a masterpiece requires time.

    Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United may have momentum now in the title race, but he was not without his early problems. So too Antonio Conte at Chelsea. He fixed it back in October, as 13 straight league wins prove testament to that. Jurgen Klopp outwitted Guardiola on Saturday and Arsenal and Spurs will also dream on.

    City do have Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus to provide extra attacking option, but divine intervention will be needed for them to finish first.

    JAMES PIERCY, Deputy Editor, SAYS NO

    Depending on your way of thinking this is Chelsea’s title to lose or a genuine six-horse title race.

    In either scenario, Manchester City are very much in the race and will continue to be part of the conversation until the winner is confirmed.

    In discussing Chelsea, if they maintain this level of form they will finish the season on 98 points – beating their own record from 2004-05. As good as they’ve been, there are just too many hurdles for that to continue and their performances will drop off. Not to mention the perils of any injuries to crucial individuals like Diego Costa, Eden Hazard or N’Golo Kante. The 10-point disadvantage City have is far from insurmountable; two defeats for Chelsea and a few draws, coupled with a run of their own and their firmly back in the hunt.

    Sergio Aguero.

    Sergio Aguero.

    The 10-match winning run at the start of the season may seem a distant memory but it was still achieved with this group of players and take a look at City’s last seven games of the season; Hull (H), Southampton (A), West Brom (H), Middlesbrough (A), Crystal Palace (H), Leicester (H) and Watford (A). You can make the case about playing struggling teams when they’re “fighting for their lives” but it’s the softest run-in of all the top six.

    There is a caveat, and it’s the three matches before that; Liverpool (H), Arsenal (A) and Chelsea (A) – they are the games that will ultimately shape City’s title destiny. Right now, you wouldn’t fancy them to win any of those encounters but Guardiola has a January transfer window and three months to sort out the problems he has.

    Claudio Bravo and the defence have improved since the Leicester debacle and that shows Guardiola’s powers of healing and adaptation.

    What needs addressing now is an attacking unit which has alarmingly withered away. But there are too many outstanding individuals for the balance not to be found.

    With Sergio Aguero back, Gabriel Jesus providing another option and money potentially to be spent this month, don’t count them out yet.

    Recommended