Change must occur in order to win

The sight of a young Manchester City supporter crying in the stands said it all on Sunday. He knew the inevitable fate that would befall them come seasons climax in May. It wasn’t the defeat away at Swansea that reduced the poor boy to tears, oh no. It was the realisation that City’s title hopes may have just tumbled down the proverbial plug hole. They’d been ousted from the top flight summit for the first time since the 15th October and gifted rivals United an advantage that they may struggle to claw back.

Their greatest rivals now have the upper hand in a race that City believed they had already triumphed in. Whilst the Red Devils may only hold on a one point lead over them the cracks are already beginning to form within Roberto Mancini’s side as the prospect of lifting the first Premier League trophy in their history fades away. Whilst second place will be considered a failure by the clubs owner it is progress and more importantly a steep learning curve that will hone City’s future title challenging credentials.

Truthfully City thought they had the illustrious trophy wrapped up before a ball had even been kicked. Last season’s FA Cup triumph was intended to be the catalyst for a glut of silverware this season. The signing of Argentinian superstar Sergio Aguero was supposed to be the icing on an very expensive cake. The 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October reaffirmed the belief that they would end up as top dogs. Yet the latest English football powerhouse could find itself trophy-less on the domestic front if they fail to overcome their greatest adversaries. On the evidence of their performance in South Wales you can see why. City seized up, created few chances and struggled to contain the fluid passing credo that has won Swansea many supporters in their maiden top flight campaign. They’ve failed to hit the heights reached in terms of performances during the first half of the season and it’s at this stage when it really matters and Mancini’s men failed to turn up at the Liberty Stadium.

It’s in stark contrast to United who have begun their usual late season gear change and now find themselves in pole position to win yet another championship. Admittedly Sir Alex Ferguson’s side haven’t been at full tilt for much of the year but they will always have the upper hand in terms of experience on their blue foes. If you look at the two squads the Red Devils have an abundance of seasoned title winners and a manager who has ruled over the Premier League with an iron first for over 20-years.

They have individuals who have been there, done that and got the t-shirt in this division. Compare that to the players at Mancini disposal and it’s clear to see why they’re crumbling away at the final hurdle. Thats not to say City don’t have a unbelievable squad. Many teams will envy being able to call upon David Silva and Yaya Toure every week. Maybe it could prove that spending hundreds of millions on world class superstars doesn’t always breed instant success. But the relevant experience required to win a league title is absent. It’s easy to forget that the current crop has only been playing together for two years or so. The crux of United’s squad has played with each other for six or seven years tasting success on the domestic front as well as in Europe.

Right now City are lost on the title trail without a compass to guide them back on the road to the promised land. In their desperation they’ve pleaded with Carlos Tevez, a player widely condemned by supporters and leading football figures, to rescue them. The objective will be to salvage their title dreams. It’s a futile notion that ultimately won’t come to pass. United’s strength in this position is unbreakable but for Mancini and his players it will be a give them an indication of what they’ll be up against in the future. The Italian has yet to be drawn into the mind games deployed by Ferguson that consumed Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez on numerous occasions. But what he has witnessed first hand is the strength of character and resilience that is necessary to maintain a position of superiority at the top. A few months ago an ocean separated the two Manchester giants with the blue half riding high. Now they find themselves scrapping to rescue a season that looks likely to conclude on a sour note.

Whilst losing out on the title will be considered a massive failure the experience gained will lead to City becoming stronger, more fortified as a squad and increasingly ruthless on the field. That change of mentality is vital for them to progress. It’s those qualities that make a title winner.