City can now lift title at the derby

CITY players know the stars are aligning for them to clinch the Premier League title in perfect circumstances next month.

The Blues are all but there after the 2-0 victory over Stoke restored their 16-point gap at the top with just eight games to go.

For the first time this season, City supporters belted out choruses singing about winning the league and only a fool wouldn’t believe them as the league approaches its final straight.

Should they beat Everton on their next outing, Pep Guardiola’s side can clinch the title on home turf against their nearest and fiercest rivals when United come to town on April 7.

It may not happen, but the players are aware of the possibility of wrapping up the league in record time in the best way possible.

“I think everybody in the blue side of Manchester knows it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but steady,” said skipper Vincent Kompany, after picking up another clean sheet.

“We’ve got one more game before United which will be difficult and then we’ll see.

“I’m sure it’s not going to be handed to us.

“It’s that time of the year where you feel every single win brings you one step closer to the goal.

“The manager said before game, we are looking to keep these standards until the end of the season and into next season as well.”