They were leading by 4-2 at Old Trafford
with 7 minutes to go. Roberto Mancini might have already conceded the title. A
miracle happened and Premier League title slipped away from United's hand.
There are still more than a dozen of games to go until the faith of the trophy
will be decided, but Manchester United once again find themselves on the front
foot, with Mancini losing his favourite Mario, as well as his superiority in
Etihad Stadium. However, by no means the race has ended. There are hurdles that
Sir Alex still has to bring his team through…
(a) Porous goalkeepers --- David De Gea is an
excellent shot-stopper, but is proved to be vulnerable at crosses and long
balls. Giving away cheap goals is the least thing one wants to see late in the
season. Reserve goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is yet to show his ability in big occasions.
Sir Alex spent six years in the post-Schmeichel era before identifying the
perfect replacement – Van der Sar. He would not look for an encore this time. No
wonder Manchester United is rumoured to be interested in Asmir Begovic.
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| Stoke's Begovic looks set to depart at the end of season |
(b) Defensive
woes --- Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand cannot play two intensives games
in one week again. Johnny Evans has just returned from injury, while Phil Jones
will be out for a month. With Fletcher shelved for the season, Michael Carrick
is the sole fit defensive midfielder. Paul Scholes can never turn the clock
back; Anderson, Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley are too adventurous to provide
shielding for the defense. United's defensive record is one of the worst in
recent years, and they could not expect Van Persie to rescue them every time.
(c) Tougher
is yet to come --- Putting aside the clash with Real Madrid in Champions
League, the remaining League fixtures remain tough. United escaped at the Etihad
Stadium, White Hart Lane, as well as at home against Liverpool and Newcastle
United with some below average performance. They will need more than this in
the coming two months. West Ham, Sunderland, Stoke City, Arsenal are awaiting
for their visit, with a home clash against Manchester City and Chelsea to be
played closer to the end of season. Do not forget they would be distracted by
Champions League campaign, which Roberto Mancini has already expressed his
"sincere" support towards his city rivals. A moment of complacency
could lead to a quick vanish of the 9 points gap.
(d)
Lesson learnt, pressure to bear --- Yes they may have learnt the lesson,
but what would be in their minds when they march into April in a similar
circumstance? It will be a stern test to their youngster's mental strengths.
Manchester City's players have the experience of being the underdog, or maybe
even enjoy being one. You cannot write them off until the very last second of
the season.
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| What will happen at Old Trafford this time? |
Roberto Mancini has been active in media
coverage, trying to put more pressure onto the lads at Old Trafford. Why?
Because Everton is visiting this Sunday…
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