Title challenge far from over

LEGEND . . . Les Chapman.

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

DESPITE what many people are saying, I believe Manchester City’s challenge for the Premier League title is far from over.

Of course, back to back defeats against two of City’s main rivals has been disappointing, but there are still lots of games and points to play for. Tottenham and Arsenal both still have a number of tough games to play. Leicester appear to have the more routine run-in opposition and fewer games to concentrate on with just their league run. That could prove vital, because rest periods are important for players at the top level.

With that in mind, I fancy Manuel Pellegrini might change the team round for this Sunday afternoon’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Chelsea.

City face a hectic week in the aftermath of that game, having to travel to Russia in midweek for the Champions League tie against Kiev, then London the following weekend for the Capital One Cup final.

It’s a dilemma, and a situation not helped by injuries to key players. That’s been a theme pretty much throughout the season so far.

It was great to see Vincent Kompany back for the Spurs game. City lost, but Vinny looked really solid back there and certainly made a difference.

Going back to that Spurs game it was a scandalous penalty decision that had such an effect on the outcome. The ball never touched Sterling’s arm; it hit his back - and I’ll carry on saying that.

I’ve watched it back time and again in slow-motion and it’s still not a good decision.