Admittedly, I was grieved on Sunday by Manchester City’s loss at Swansea and Manchester United’s victory leap to the top of the table after a win over West Bromwich Albion, but this was not the factor of the day that frustrated me the most.  Instead, it was the reactions after the game that I found myself most bothered about.  With Manchester United a massive ONE point clear and only TEN games to go it seemed to be the clear opinion of most that it would be the Reds lifting the Premiership trophy at the end of the season.  Louise Taylor from the Guardian reported that Mancini had “no choice” now but to bring back Argentinean Carlos Tevez and Eurosport were quick to post the question – “have City blown it” – on their forum.

Most disturbingly some of the City fans seemed to back this view after a picture was published by the Telegraph of City fan John Millington seemingly crying after Luke Moore headed in the winning goal in the last seven minutes of the game.  Millington posted on twitter that he was not crying and was just frustrated.  Perhaps he was, but the pictures were therefore very misleading.  The players also seemed to be falling victim to lack of faith. Rumours of a Gareth Barry hissy fit and quarrel between Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure in the tunnel of Liberty Stadium during half time circulated the media.  So what to make of it all?  Are these frustrations justified? Have City “blown it”?
 
Of course they haven’t blown it.  What a stupid question to pose when there are still thirty points up for grabs.  Personally, I think everybody needs to calm down.  City’s loss at Swansea was described by the BBC as a “stun” and a “shock” but I don’t think it was. At this side of the season, when tensions are running high and there is everything to play for, I wouldn’t describe many a result as “shocking” – especially not a one of one nil.  Although Swansea’s mid table position may not be much compared to City’s – up until recently – league reign since October, they have proven themselves to be a team not to be disregarded as an “easy win” – especially when playing at home.  At the Liberty Stadium this season, Swansea managed to secure three points over Arsenal and a point each from Chelsea and Tottenham.  For a team who last season was playing Championship football, this is a highly commendable achievement; therefore I do not feel shocked or embarrassed by the loss.  
 
Manchester City Manager Roberto Mancini told the BBC that he was not worried by the loss at Swansea as the game was not “critical” and said the Premiership title would be decided when the two Manchester teams meet on the 30th April – the third last match before the end of the season – and I hope he’s right.  I hope that both teams manage to retain their stamina in the Premiership race until that day.
 
City have a slightly more daunting fixture list ahead of them than United do, including Chelsea at home next week, Arsenal at Emirates and Newcastle at the Sports Direct  Arena.  Both teams continuance in the Europa League may also make a difference, especially considering the Semi-finals are played just four days before the Manchester Derby.  In an interview with the BBC, Manchester City’s top administrator Brian Marwood said that too much International football is in danger of killing the Premier League, and this may be also true of the Premiership title for either team if their time in Europe continues.  
 
Alex Ferguson has promised that his side will not crack due to the experience they have behind them.  It’s true that they will indeed be a hard team to  break but if you drop a coin from high enough it will find a way through – and City have dropped a lot of coins.  The season is far from over.  The trophy will no doubt reside in Manchester for another season – but which side of Manchester has yet to be determined.  I have no doubt that we’re in for a very anxious but exciting end to the season – and what a season it has been.
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