Not amused: Roberto Mancini bemoaned the
fixtures we play January 1 then against Liverpool on the
third. ‘Liverpool play on the 30th, at home then against us. I
think that makes it easier for others.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini accused the
Premier League of jeopardising his side’s title prospects after
seeing arch rivals Manchester United draw level with them at the
top of the table.
City’s once-commanding lead had already been whittled away
following their first defeat of the season at Chelsea, and it was
down to goal difference after the 0-0 draw at West
Bromwich.
The City manager says he is not unduly perturbed by his
side’s failure to score for the first time. He is, however,
agitated by a new year fixture schedule that gives his side barely
48 hours to prepare for a clash with Liverpool.
‘If we want to win the title, we have to try to play well
against United, and United have a strong team but we are strong
enough to do this.
‘I think United will win their next game but it is going
to be more difficult for us, against Sunderland away and then,
within 48 hours, against Liverpool.
‘I’m not happy with this situation, because two days’
rest, when we are already playing every three days, is not correct.
I don’t know why this is. Well, I do — it’s for
television.
Floored: Yaya Toure shows his dejection after missing a
chance at West Brom
‘Maybe if we had scored, the game would have been
different, but we do need to look at moving the ball a bit
quicker.’
West Bromwich manager Roy Hodgson insisted the title
race is now wide open.
‘You could almost walk into any pub in the land and ask
who’s going to win it, because I’m not sure anyone has got the
answer,’ he said.
‘I think it will be tough between City and United right
through to the end. In some ways the riches are on the blue side of
Manchester, but to some extent the quality and talent are on the
red side.
‘City could virtually put out two Premier League
sides. Look at today. You think you are coping with Aguero and
Nasri, and on come Dzeko and Johnson.
‘United have had injury problems but the important thing
is United beat Fulham 5-0 away in the week and have put five past
an in-form Wigan today. They are flying.
‘It will be a fantastic duel and we have to see if
Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal can make their voices
heard, too.’