Manchester United are eight points clear at the top right now, but they should not get ahead of themselves just yet.
After an eight point gap emerged at the top of the Premier League this weekend, many supporters celebrated like the trophy was already won.
Guess what? It’s not. Not yet any way.
Thoughts of a record 20th Premier League crown should be set aside until the hard work is done.
If United do the unthinkable and lose to Wigan Athletic tomorrow night, then it suddenly becomes dicey.
The five point gap could be cut down to two by City when the sides face off at the Eithad at the end of the month, which would leave the end of the season on a knife edge.
Wigan has been a successful hunting ground for United since they rose to the Premier League, with United winning every single match they have played at the DW Stadium.
Even so, with Wigan fighting for their lives at present, this match could be tougher than ever.
The Latics went to Liverpool and won, and were unlucky not to come away from Stamford Bridge with points at the weekend, and won their last home match 2-0 against Stoke.
So Roberto Martinez’ men will be up for the fight, and determined to throw a cog into United’s title-winning machine.
If they do, then City will feel they are right back in it, and will be expecting to bounce back with three points at home to West Brom.
So United should put the ticker tape and the party poppers away.
Beat Wigan, and they are one step closer, facing Villa at Old Trafford on the weekend.
Any complacency, and all their momentum and hard-fought advantage will be lost.
image: © gordonflood.com
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