Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Manchester City’s outside chance of winning the Premier League title this season have all but evaporated after defeat to Chelsea in midweek, with a debut English title for Pep Guardiola being put back at least another 12 months the task now for him is to make sure his City side finish in the top four at the end of the season.
Today they will look to bounce back from defeat at Stamford Bridge as they play host to a resurgent Hull who have found themselves out of the drop zone for the first time since October thanks to back to back wins in the past seven days.
City will undoubtedly rue missed chances and sloppy defensive work as they failed to come away with anything from East London and not only halt Chelsea’s title tilt but boost their own chances of winning a first top flight trophy since 2014.
Vincent Kompany who made his first start since January was unlucky to see a second half header hit the bar while John Stones really should have snatched a dramatic point late on when he blazed his effort over the frame of the goal when just 3 yards out.
Guardiola’s men were on top for periods of the game but lapses at the back cost them as Willy Caballero once again highlighted the clubs ongoing goalkeeping issues while Fernandinho was clumsy when giving away a first half penalty which ultimately saw Chelsea score their winner through Eden Hazard.
Defeat for City on Wednesday means that they stay 4th in the table but they now have both Arsenal and Manchester United breathing down their necks. They may well have a four point gap over both clubs but they have also played a game more, so there is still plenty to play for in the race to secure Champions League football next season.
Today they face a Hull side who have been given a new lease of life under Marco Silva and they will go into this game full of belief after picking up maximum points from their last two games. Back to back home wins have seen The Tigers leapfrog Swansea and climb out of the dropzone, it seems as if they are finding their form at just the right time.
But in fairness they have found their form since January and the arrival of Silva, since the former Olympiakos boss was installed they have picked up 17 points, a feat only bettered by three other clubs. Had the season started at the start of the year, they would be in the Champions League places at present.
Obviously though the season starts in August though and many felt that this club were a lot cause when Silva came in, but credit is certainly due and it’s no coincidence that the plaudits are now deservedly coming the way of the 39 year old.
Credit must also go to his players though as they have picked up two all important wins in the past week, a late winner against West Ham on Saturday was added to on Wednesday when they got the better of Middlesbrough in what was a relegation 6 pointer.
It was also a 6 goal thriller as Hull eventually ran out 4-2 winners, Middlesbrough may have pulled off that rare feat of not just scoring once but twice but ultimately you get the feeling that is now a defeat which means they need to start preparing for life in The Championship next season.
The KCOM Stadium has proved to be somewhat of a fortress since the start of the year, the question now is whether or not Hull can also earn vital points on the road. In essence it’s almost something of a free hit this aftenoon but City cannot afford to take them for granted.
When comparing the two squads it is quite apparent that City have the additional quality but Hull come into this game with nothing to lose. That said I do think the home side will be too strong while the away fans will be keeping an eye out for the scoreline between West Ham and Swansea at The London Stadium. A home win for me.
