Manchester City suffered a double blow to their title chances on Sunday, as the Blues dropped three points to Liverpool in front of frantic support at Anfield. City now sit seven points back of top spot, their only saving grace is having two games in hand.
Anfield was frightening yesterday, rocking with emotion as the club recognized the 25 year anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives. Two first half goals compiled that emotion, creating a defining sound around the stadium.
City would eventually fall to defeat after scraping their way back to 2-2 in the second half. A rare mistake from skipper Vincent Kompany sealed City's fate. City dropped all points in a 3-2 loss.
A possibly greater loss was felt early in the first half, after a wild attempt on goal, Yaya Toure came up limping and was substituted a few minutes later. While full details on the extent of Toure's injury have not surfaced, Manuel Pellegrini fears that the midfield star will miss the remainder of the EPL season (ESPN).
Liverpool have been in magnificent form, the Reds haven't lost since December 29, away to Chelsea. They sit top of the Premiership on 77 points, Chelsea are nipping at their heels with 75, but are City out of title contention?
City's Run-In
Manchester City sit seven points back, but with two games on Liverpool they certainly aren't out of the title picture. City's remaining fixture list features very winnable games; Sunderland, West Brom, Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham. If City can secure three points in each of these fixtures, 18 points it would leave them with 88 total points. If Liverpool secure three points in their remaining fixtures, they will total 89.
City's only saving grace will be the fact that Chelsea and Liverpool play each other before the bell tolls on another EPL season. The end of this season should be incredibly astounding, and definitely one to watch.
City are still completely in the title picture; however, the Title is not completely in their hands. Winning out, coupled with a bit of good fortune will see City atop of the league at the end of the season.
