Focus now on staying in top four

Les Chapman.

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

It was a hugely disappointing result for Manchester City in the derby game at the weekend, and I think it’s fair to say Manuel Pellegrini’s men can forget about winning the Premier League title.

The focus now has to be staying in the top four so Champions league qualification can be secured for next season. To be honest I don’t think there’s any danger of City dropping out of the top four, but there’s still plenty of work to do.

Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi were big misses on Sunday. Defensively City don’t always look as solid without those two back there, particularly Kompany.

Then during the game the Blues lost ’keeper Joe Hart and Raheem Sterling to new injuries.

Joe will be a big miss for City and England this weekend, but at least Willy Caballero is a very capable deputy and he probably deserves his chance.

Joe suffered a calf strain: fans don’t always realise they can be a lot more serious than a lot of other injuries.

There has to be plenty of rest and treatment, and players need to let nature do its work. Hopefully it will turn out to be a strain, rather than a tear.

It was a shame for Raheem, too. It’s looking like his injury will keep him out for a few weeks and he will be missed. He hasn’t always fired on all cylinders, but he has impressed me hugely in the Champions League games this season.

I think he’s made his mark in Europe so far.