Title hope almost over: Mancini

City manager rues goals conceded by Hart, Barry.

SOUTHAMPTON: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has conceded that his side may have surrendered their English Premier League title in Saturday’s embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Southampton.

Two awful mistakes from England internationals Joe Hart and Gareth Barry gifted Mauricio Pochettino his first win since succeeding Nigel Adkins at St Mary’s and left City facing the prospect of falling 12 points behind Manchester United in the race to retain their crown.

“Maybe it’s over,” said Mancini. “I think we now have a 10 per cent (chance of winning the title). I don’t think United will drop 12 points. (The performance) was worse than poor. We didn’t play. It’s very strange because we played very well for the whole of January so I don’t know why we did so badly today. Two of the goals we conceded were incredible for a top team.”

A lack of attacking options on the bench saw the team switch formations several times as they searched for a way back into the game but the Italian manager acknowledged that many of his players are living off past glories.



“We need to forget what we did last year. If you want to stay at the top for a long time you have to work hard.”

Benitez makes light of speculation over future

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez dismissed speculation over his future after the spluttering Blues got back on track with a 4-1 win over Wigan.

Benitez has struggled to win over Chelsea supporters after his previous spell with their rivals Liverpool and the team’s recent run of poor results had sparked renewed speculation that he is facing the sack.

But another man-of-the-match display by Frank Lampard helped Chelsea to a much-needed win as the England mid-fielder joined Ramires, Eden Hazard and Marko Marin on the scoresheet.

“There is a lot of talk,” said Benitez. “It is just speculation. It is my job to try and win every game. When you have experience of winning things, you know sometimes it can be difficult. Top sides, if you want to win something you have to be consistent.”

Wenger demands protection for Wilshere

Arsene Wenger insists England star Jack Wilshere deserves more protection from referees after he was injured during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Sunderland.

Wilshere limped off with a thigh injury early in the second half of Saturday’s clash at the Stadium of Light following an aggressive challenge from Sunderland’s Alfred N’Diaye.

“I wasn’t happy with some of the tackling, especially on Wilshere,” said Wenger. “We don’t want any special protection – the referee is not a bodyguard – but I want him to watch the fouls.”

Fortunately for Wenger, the performance of Spain mid-fielder Santi Cazorla helped his team overcome Sunderland’s physical approach.

Cazorla’s decisive contribution came in the 36th minute of a first-half dominated by Arsenal, who squandered at least five other chances.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2013.