Nasri could just be right about City beating Arsenal to a trophy

Manchester City lost to Arsenal last weekend in an exciting match. Arsenal fans were proud that their team gave a complete performance to edge out title chasing Manchester City. The fans' joy however turned to anger after comments attributed to Samir Nasri, their former star midfielder, seemed to suggest the club will always be second best to Manchester City.

 Arsenal fans have not forgiven Nasri after he switched allegiance in a transfer deal many still view as money driven. Footballers are usually advised to ignore fans’ chants directed at them but it seems Nasri had reached the end of his tether, he reportedly suggested he will lift a trophy with Manchester City before Arsenal does, a claim that some Arsenal fans have labelled disrespectful. Ardent Arsenal fan CNN's Piers Morgan has even challenged Nasri to a bet.

After Manchester United's win against QPR last weekend many fans crowned them as champions-elect but their mid-week loss to Wigan has brought concern among the club's faithful. It’s an open secret that Manchester United have not been playing well but impressively they have managed to win points to put them in a fantastic position to win the EPL title. However, I think their possibility of winning the title lies in having a healthy gap between them and Manchester City. In fact in his post match interview after losing to Wigan Sir Alex Ferguson alluded to his disappointment of his side failing to hold on to their eight points lead over Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be concerned his team have started to struggle against teams that are willing to give them a fight. Wigan denied Man Utd possession, they were quick in their tackles and were quick on the break. I think  a number of coaches watched this match intently and will make it hard for Manchester United. The potential of Man Utd dropping points against Everton, Swansea and Sunderland is not a far-fetched notion. I think  of their remaining fixtures the game against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium is a foregone conclusion. I think Manchester City will win it. Manchester City have sensed there is an opportunity to beat Man United to the title and from now on they will be ruthless. So Samir Nasri could just be right that Manchester City will win a trophy before Arsenal, interestingly, it could be this season.

I suggested last week that Roberto Mancini days could be numbered but he could save his job if he wins the title. If Manchester City stick with him Mancini will have to do a big clear out of his dressing room. He may have the best footballers in his dressing room but he has failed to build a team. He has struggled to balance his squad because he has too many talented players who are dissatisfied about their playing time. It’s unbelievable that the club boasts of four world class strikers-such a reputation looks good on paper but in practice it’s a recipe for chaos and that’s what Mancini has had to deal with. It’s however hard to see Manchester City changing their ways, already, the club have been linked to the signature of Eden Hazard, it’s difficult to understand the reasoning behind this. The club already have David Silva, Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson. Adding another playmaker is being greedy. Whether they win the EPL title or not Manchester City need a new strategy  if they are to dominate English football.

Twitter: @DickensOlewe