Manchester City winning their first Premier League title was a historic occasion, but what are the chances of them winning a second?
Sir Alex is quoted in the Metro newspaper, ‘After the disappointment of last year, we want to recover the title. That is our target this year. Priority number one is to win the title back.’
I can see it being a three horse race; the North London giants are both nowhere near good enough to challenge but I think they’ll give the title contenders good games.
I have to say I fear for Arsene Wenger if the Gunners have another season without a trophy. The sad thing is if they lose Robin Van Persie, as I expect they will, I can’t see them winning much. The rumours are Theo Walcott may be on the move as well only adds fuel to the fire.
As for Tottenham Hotspur I think they’ll take time to get used to AVB’s style; maybe a cup and a good run in Europe.
I can see Liverpool going much the same way; it will take Rodgers time to put his footprint on the five time European Champions.
But for Manchester City, it won’t be easy to defend their title. Arsenal have never managed to defend the Premier League title on the three occasions they have won it, and the fact no team has ever won the Champions League back-to-back illustrates the challenge which comes with defending a trophy.
Speaking of the Champions League, Europe’s elite competition, Manchester City will be determined to make their mark this year.
They were unlucky last year, eliminated despite picking up a normally ‘good enough’ 10 points. As they push their resources into performing in the competition, they may find it tough to excel in both competitions.
The talk of letting Nigel de Jong leave is also concerning. The Dutchman is arguably the best player of his type in the league, and despite having just one year left on his contract, City don’t need to worry about cashing in, and should retain him.
With a need to balance the squad, and an eye on tricky away ties in the Champions League when the team needs to scale back its attacking priorities, De Jong will be a much-needed man.
As others push on with renewed vigour, and the challenges increase for City, it is only going to get tougher.
It is a test they will relish, and should still be considered favourites for the title, but they will not have it all their own way in 2012/13 for sure.
image: © imbecillisalad
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