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EPL: Why City will remain second to Manchester United

Manchester, Feb 4: Defending champions Manchester City are slowly slipping away from the title. The recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool put them nine points behind league leaders Manchester United.

As United continue to win and edge closer to their 20th league title, City have bagged only two points in their last two games. Roberto Mancini's side have played 25 games and lost only twice, less than any other team in the league this season. City have conceded 21 goals this season which is less than any other side.

Despite all this City find themselves behind United and are likely to see their rivals lift the trophy.

Draws have been the problem for City, eight in total, is the equivalent of dropping 16 points, only if they were able to beat their opponents.

City may have conceded the least number of goals but there is another concern of Mancini. City are currently going through injury problems to Vincent Kompany and will miss him for atleast two weeks. Matija Nastasic was also sidelined for the FA Cup win over Stoke City.

City had to use Javi Garcia alongside Joleon Lescott with Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Chichy on the flanks. Kolo Toure is playing in the Afrcan Cup of Nations while Micah Richards is still recovering from a knee injury.

Out of form striker Carlos Tevez, who was benched again Liverpool, has not scored since two months while Sergio Aguero, apart from his brilliant goal against Liverpool, last scored on New Year's Day. Edin Dzeko has been City's leading goal-scorer this season with 11 goals but the Bosnian was not given enough playing time in the beginning.

Failure to sign reinforcements during the recently closed transfer window could be another reason. City failed to replace striker Mario Balotelli, who was sold to AC Milan for £19million, and injured defenders Kompany, Richards and Kolo Toure.

United, on the other hand, have not been at their best this season, conceding first in 12 Premier League games. But on nine ocassions United have comeback to win from a losing position, thanks to their strike force.

Robin Van Persie is the leading goal-scorer with 18 goals and is driving United to win each and every game. Wayne Rooney has 10 goals to his name while Javier Hernandez scored eight so far.

With 13 games left this season, City cannot afford to drop points. But they still have to face the top three, Chelsea, Tottenham and United.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Tuesday, August 22, 2017, 12:27 [IST]
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