The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
City’s experience key, says Zabaleta
PABLO ZABALETA has tipped Manchester City to swipe the Barclays Premier League title in the season’s final seconds, just as they did in 2012.
Two added-time goals sent the title to the Etihad Stadium two years ago, as Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero salvaged a 3-2 home victory over QPR.
It meant City claimed their first top flight title since 1968 on goal difference, and after Sunday’s unflinching 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, Zabaleta believes Manuel Pellegrini’s men are ready for a repeat of 2012.
“We know that we’ve been in this situation two years ago and I think we had been talking about that last week,” said Zabaleta, well aware City could now be crowned champions on goal difference once again.
“The most important thing we’ve learned from that experience was the team spirit to keep fighting until the end.
“Whoever ends as the champions, it is because they will deserve it, and we are one of those teams who will fight for it.
“Hopefully, we can continue to win the games and show one more time that these players, this team, this manager, all the staff, are still working really hard and are still very hungry for the title.”
Yaya Toure’s colossal performance dragged City to victory at Selhurst Park, the f it- again midfielder teeing up Dzeko before firing his side’s second himself.
City’s victory, coupled with Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, sets up a tense run to the campaign’s climax.
Pellegrini’s side trail leaders Liverpool by three points and secondplaced Chelsea by one, but crucially they boast a game in hand over both.
A superior go a l difference could send the title City’s way once more, but Zabaleta admitted it is still too early to count anyone out.
“Of course, we cannot forget Chelsea, they are a top team with a top manager,” said the 29-year-old defender.
“They showed that they are still very hungry for the title, so everything is very tight and it’s going to be a fantastic race until the end.”