The fate of the Blue half lies in the hands of the Red

In the name of the Lord…

A scenario has risen at the Etihad Stadium which Roberto Mancini must surely be detesting. Manchester City put in one of their best games of the season last night against Norwich at Carrow Road. Yet, his team (at the team of writing) lie two points off the top of the Barclays Premier League table, with next-door Manchester United-a team they share a not-so-cordial relation with-at the helm. And, United have a game yet to play, against Aston Villa, and you wouldn’t need an hour-long ESPN analysis to tell you that the Reds will end up winning this game. And Roberto Mancini can only sit at home, and pray.

Twenty-eight games into the season, Manchester City were cruising to a first league trophy since god knows when (1967!). But then, it happened. The “lack of experience” barged into the room, and yet, took no one by surprise. City started dropping points. Easy points. Everyone knew it was to happen, and unfortunately for Silva & Co, it coincided with United embarking on their now trademark end of season form, which ended at the DW Stadium when a thirteen-game unbeaten run was brought to a halt. But prior to that, they held an eight point advantage over their rivals.

The loss trimmed the lead to five, after City mowed past West Bromwich Albion 4-0. Carlos Tevez started his first game for the Citizens after that entire fiasco against Bayern, and even he scored. So did David Silva, signaling a return to form. But after all that effort, they must hope United begin dropping points, otherwise, it’ll be another season in which there would be no tangible fruits for their labour. When Old Trafford was silenced way back in the season by City players, an event such as this was unforeseeable.

Question have now been raised about Mancini’s managerial ability. The rumour mills have already begun touting successors to the throne. Players have grown tired, frustrated and maybe even angry. Not Mario Balotelli but. He doesn’t grow into anything!

A habit has developed to blame the 21year young Italian for every failure in City’s path. And he must carry his fair share of the blame, and avoid setting it on fire, or something of the sort.

True, he’s scored 17 goals this season, but he actually takes away more from the team than he gives. He may or may not be offloaded this season, but if I had to choose between two temperamental strikers, I’d go for the tried, trusted, and tempestuous Tevez. But, Balotelli brings up an unwanted digression. The fact remains that Mancini has now practically donated the title to Sir Alex Ferguson, after some of his tactics, primarily the inability to rest Silva when needed. Now he has come to realise that he’s thrown himself, his players and the City fans into a ditch, with United the only people who can bring them out of it.

The Manchester Derby ensues on the 6^th of May, and like every time, the atmosphere will be charged, and tempers flared. But this time, both sides have something to play for other than local bragging rights. But, for City’s sake, United must slip up. Which is what Mancini detests the most – hoping the Reds help out.

You might also like to read:

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/14/not-so-super-mario/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/14/sir-alex-ferguson-is-balotellis-only-chance-at-redemption/