Way too soon to write off City

Les Chapman.

Manchester City’s roving reporter writes every week for Chron Sport

DESPITE having more attempts at goal than any other side to have visited the Emirates Stadium so far this season, Manchester City just couldn’t find a way through until it was too late at Arsenal.

For whatever reason, City just didn’t find that high-tempo game until it was too late. They came close to snatching a point in the final 10 or 15 minutes, but it wasn’t to be and it’s Arsenal who narrowed the gap on Leicester at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Arsenal are a top-quality side, though, don’t forget that. They are brilliant going forward and like to try to play the possession game. They certainly made the most of their only two attempts on target.

Some people have been saying City’s title challenge could now be over after Monday’s defeat, but that’s ridiculous. There’s still 63 points to play for!

The way this season is panning out, the title race really could go any way at all. There are still five or six teams who could conceivably contend, so from a neutral’s point of view it’s going to be great.

It certainly sets things up now for City’s next two games, and there’s quite a contrast.

It’s Sunderland at home on Saturday, and then the trip to leaders Leicester in midweek. That promises to be a cracking game.

I’ve been busy in the office at City in the run-up to Christmas. I’ve produced regular sketches for the advent calendar with the aid of the City TV team, while the other day I put on a snowman suit and went into the club shop to chat to fans. I was standing motionless, then making them jump – it was hilarious. It’s on the City website now.

Early in the new year I’ve got a feature planned with ‘Dude Perfect’. They’re coming from America and if you don’t know who they are, ‘Google’ them.