Roberto Mancini can only admit that his team are only second best to Manchester United this term. This fact was proven earlier in December when both teams clashed at the Etihad Stadium with Robin van Persie giving the Red Devils a last-minute victory.
On Boxing Day, the Citizens put their foot off the pedal with defeat away to Sunderland while Manchester United dramatically edged a seven-goal thriller at home to Newcastle United. In the aftermath of the loss, Mancini declared:
“United are better than us but it can change. They are on the top but we have the time to recover. Seven points are no problem.”
It is clear that Manchester City are not willing to give up yet but they must react quickly before the title becomes Manchester United’s to lose.
Facts
• Norwich City have lose three of their last four matches.
• Norwich City beat City’s foes Manchester United at home last November.
• Manchester City have scored 15 goals in their last four matches against Norwich City.
Head-to-head – Last five matches
November 11, 2004: Manchester City 1-1 Norwich City
February 28, 2005: Norwich City 2-3 Manchester City
September 25, 2007: Manchester City 1-0 Norwich City
December 3, 2011: Manchester City 5-1 Norwich City
April 14, 2012: Norwich City 1-6 Manchester City
Norwich City’s last three matches
December 15, 2012: Norwich City 2-1 Wigan Athletic
December 22, 2012: West Brom 2-1 Norwich City
December 26, 2012: Norwich City 0-1 Chelsea
Manchester City’s last three matches
December 15, 2012: Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City
December 22, 2012: Manchester City 1-0 Reading
December 26, 2012: Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City
Prediction
Result: Norwich City 1-2 Manchester City
