Has the title race finally come to a close?

The Premier League has reached the last quarter with Manchester United leading local rivals Manchester City by 12 points. In any other season, 12 points at this stage would be more than just having one hand on the trophy. Especially with the form Manchester United have shown in their previous Premier League fixtures, it doesn’t look like the Reds will slip up to their noisy neighbours this time. United gained 3 clean sheets in their previous 3 league encounters against Fulham, Everton and QPR. They have been unbeaten since mid November, when Norwich put up a brilliant performance to push past the leaders. More than anything, this shows how consistent Manchester United have been this season. Sir Alex’s tactics have gotten the best results for United. The most interesting tactic of his would be his squad rotation. In yesterday’s Premier League match against QPR, Sir Alex made 7 changes to the side from their previous match. While making those changes, as Sir Alex has done so frequently in this season, he hasn’t shown any signs of taking a game casually as he has done previously. Rotation has worked brilliantly for United and has been aided with good form overall and less injuries as compared to last year. Though United have had their defensive woes, their attack overcomes them by a great extent. The striking options they have upfront with Rooney, Van Persie and Chicharito are extraordinary. The way the defenders have chipped in with a fair share of goals has been a big plus point for them as well. So with all this, there remains a question as to whether or not Manchester United have it in them to go on and claim their twentieth league title.

Manchester City on the other hand, haven’t had one of their best seasons. Their form away from home hasn’t been fantastic with a 46% winning record in their encounters. They haven’t been the fortress they were last season as well, with United clinching a victory right at the death and ending matches in draws against Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool. City have shown inconsistency to say the least. Players like Nasri haven’t risen to the occasion at all. In terms of attack, City’s strikers haven’t been prolific either. Keeping all of these aspects in mind, it is evident that Manchester United have surpassed City with ease this season. Mancini ended the month of January optimistic over his chances of winning the title when he said that United will slip up in February, looking at the tight schedule with the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League all packed in the month. Things have certainly not gone in Mancini’s favour considering United’s dominant display in the month. He has ended the month saying that City has a mere 10% chance this time. There is a slight reflection of insecurity in the team as well with Mancini’s future being talked about. These aren’t the signs a winning team shows on and off the pitch.

So 9 games are left with City 12 points behind. Statistically, City can reach a maximum of 83 points. That’s 15 points from United’s current position. That means if United were to win 6 of their remaining 9, they would have secured the title. However, this only remains true if City win all of their remaining matches. By the looks of it, United don’t look the more likely team to slip up. If things do turn out in United’s favour, there may come a time when United’s matches against Arsenal and Chelsea won’t matter much. Sir Alex may just have this in his mind. It looks as if he intends to get the most out of his next few matches by picking strong sides such that a situation wherein a draw against Arsenal or Chelsea would be enough for the team. Yes, United do have a hand on the trophy but things can go differently if City step it up and United slip at various stages. In my perspective, the next month is going to be the most crucial time for the race to glory.