Manchester City Feel Pressure as Manchester United Catches Up at Top of Barclays Premier League

Strategic Insights -

Manchester City's confidence and calibration have been put to the test as Manchester United closes the gap at the top of the Barclays Premier League table. Despite dropping seven points from the past six games, City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes his team can cope with the pressure and remain the team to beat. The intense schedule ahead, with several high-profile matches in the FA Cup and Carling Cup, has City manager Roberto Mancini expressing concerns over his team's workload, but Hart remains optimistic about their chances.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manchester City have dropped seven points from the past six games, including a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.
  • City's intense schedule ahead includes several high-profile matches in the FA Cup and Carling Cup, with Roberto Mancini expressing concerns over the team's workload.
  • Joe Hart believes City have the confidence and caliber to cope with the pressure and remain the team to beat.
  • Vincent Kompany admitted that City's strikers lacked their usual cutting edge against West Bromwich Albion, but praised the team's defense for keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
  • City will face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round and Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final, with the top two teams in the Premier League set to go head-to-head.
  • Roberto Mancini has expressed concerns that Manchester United and Liverpool have an unfair advantage due to TV scheduling and their less intense schedules.

Statistics:

  • Manchester City have 53 goals under their belt before the halfway mark of the season.
  • City have dropped seven points from the past six games.
  • Manchester City have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
  • City's schedule in January includes several high-profile matches, with 6 or 7 games in 31 days (Manchester United) and 7 or 8 games in 28 days (Manchester City).
  • City's intensity and performance have raised the bar this season.

Sources:

  • Peter Lansley, "Manchester City's Joe Hart admits pressure is building but they can cope", The Telegraph, Dec 27, 2011 (no author or publication date available in original text)