Man City look up as Tottenham fall behind
Manchester City's chances of reaching the Champions League for the first time are looking healthier than ever after they chose an opportune time to record their first away triumph of 2011 against struggling Blackburn on Monday night.
The result, gained by substitute Edin Dzeko's first ever Premier League goal, put them four points clear of Tottenham with five matches to go and as the Lilywhites still have to visit Chelsea, the Citizens and Liverpool, there's no doubt that Roberto Mancini's side are now clear favourites.
They can be backed at [1.11] to secure a spot in August's preliminaries - a feat requiring just a draw with Spurs and three victories from their other four - while Tottenham are [9.0] to finish the season even more heroically than they did last year after a costly 2-2 home draw with in-form West Brom.
Three points at Ewood Park for Manchester City have also prompted speculation that they could yet overhaul freefalling Arsenal, who have won only one of their last seven league fixtures, for a top-three place that would provide a straight path into the Champions League group stage at [3.2].
Mancini's men trail the Gunners by five points with a game in hand, and of course Arsenal are yet to host leaders Manchester United, but even so it is surprising that they are a shorter price than Arsene Wenger's team to overtake Chelsea for second at [5.1] to the north Londoners' [6.8].
But while Manchester City can aim higher, it's becoming increasingly difficult for Blackburn to avoid looking down, as just a point separates them from the relegation zone. Their goal difference is encouraging, though with West Ham and Wolves to visit, they are in definite danger of the drop at [2.66].
Where will both clubs end the campaign? Have your say below...
Published: 26 Apr 2011
ian (April 26, 2011 9:55 AM) said:
[extract removed] Since xmas we have being out tacticed on nearly every game and have relied on individual great players.
We have the best squad in the league so better players are not req, a coach with ideas is what we need, i want chris hughton and clive allen to take over