Title Race 22/23

[Judge Red]

We are in a title race but not in a position to make the most of it. If we beat Leicester and get dumped out of the Europa League by Barca, I will be more optimistic about being able to throw everything at it.

 

[thegregster]

Europa will basically f**k our and Arsenal's chances to win the title. Especially Arsenal, given they've set the pace for so long and City have closed the gap before the resumption of European football.

We will have to knock out Barca for Europe to hinder us. Otherwise its only Leciester next Sunday that will be impacted. That said I think we will beat Barca.

 

[Shiva87]

that was the best result for us to have an outside chance at the title.

we need City to drop points, and take our chances when they do drop points. Still looks like a tall ask, but we need to take it 1 game at a time.

if we are 2-3 points off the top with 2-3 games to go, it will be immense. We just need to keep doing our business and forget this title race for the next month or two.

still 8 points to make up on Arsenal (given their game in hand)

 

[JinnerJamie]

10 points dropped by Arsenal in the last 6 games... more than a wobble.

 

[BorisManUtd]

Don't think we're in it but it's nice to be close atm. I think for genuine title challenge (which I don't think we're ready for) we'd need important players to stay fit, another attacking player to start scoring regularly like Rashford does and to be out of Europa early so we can concentrate on league.

 

[brian017]

We should've beaten Omonia by more. We would be right in it otherwise

 

[FootballHQ]

Bad game for Arsenal to lose. A draw and they would've been o.k still imo.

We can certainly take points off them given it's the early kick off on Saturday so hopefully we come out flying. They can't afford to lose at Man. City now otherwise they'll go off into the distance.

I do think Man. City will still drop points in the run in though. Not sure when the games are scheduled but they wouldn't want someone like Brighton away a few days after a tough CL tie for example as that sort of game could be a draw with what Brighton are doing.

Could be under 90 points to win the league now which will be lowest haul for quite a few seasons.

 

[Ayoba]

City are something else. Impossible to keep up with them. 4th title in 5 years incoming

 

[saivet]

We're five points off top with half a season to play. City and Arsenal don't look unstoppable.

They don't but I don't think we are playing anywhere enough football to capitalise.

 

[RuudTom83]

Table looks great just now, but realistically we know United are not in the race.

But I feel more confident than ever that United will finish above Arsenal. Since they beat United they have 1 point from 9 hehe.

 

[SuperiorXI]

We should've beaten Omonia by more. We would be right in it otherwise

Can't believe that bullshit WRONG hand ball decision has caused our season so much trouble.

 

[Guy Incognito]

City are something else. Impossible to keep up with them. 4th title in 5 years incoming

Yes, their squad will basically win them the league. It is strength in numbers.

Arsenal's hopes basically hinged on Partey staying fit all season.

 

[Samid]

We can certainly take points off them given it's the early kick off on Saturday so hopefully we come out flying.

Hadn't noticed that. Lego Pep will be moaning about how unfair the schedule is and how it's killing them.

 

[Bilbo]

Hell yeah we're in a title race. Logic says we're outsiders, and we are of course, but the gut says something is brewing this season

 

[padr81]

Bad game for Arsenal to lose. A draw and they would've been o.k still imo.

We can certainly take points off them given it's the early kick off on Saturday so hopefully we come out flying. They can't afford to lose at Man. City now otherwise they'll go off into the distance.

I do think Man. City will still drop points in the run in though. Not sure when the games are scheduled but they wouldn't want someone like Brighton away a few days after a tough CL tie for example as that sort of game could be a draw with what Brighton are doing.

Could be under 90 points to win the league now which will be lowest haul for quite a few seasons.

Think it'll be around the 86 we won with two years ago. I just don't know if it'll be City or Arsenal (or an outside chance of United) that get it.

 

[GoonerGirly]

Hell yeah we're in a title race. Logic says we're outsiders, and we are of course, but the gut says something is brewing this season

This is how I feel about Arsenal too. I never thought we'd win it this year and of course I'm ecstatic about where we are. But I think we'll fall short this season. But I think the next couple of seasons, with some good recruitment, will be very exciting.

 

[Andy 1892]

As a neutral, I think Man Utd are absolutely in the race, I'm surprised to see some saying otherwise on here. City are more than capable of going on an iffy run, and Arsenal will continue to fall away. Squad depth will be key, but it's far from impossible.

 

[Red00012]

Realistically we won’t finish above City but we can finish above Arsenal.

 

[Harry190]

Based on today, I see City dropping points against in-form teams.

 

[The White Pele]

5 points off both Arsenal and City, having played both of them twice, while they still have to play each other…wow, is this actually on?

 

[Mr Smith]

So is this on after all? City played well tonight but I don't think they're capable of going on the runs they have in the past, while I could see Arsenal mentally collapsing after this. Only 5 points behind. I've been shutting down any title talk up until now, but we might just be in with a sniff...

 

[GoonerGirly]

Based on today, I see City dropping points against in-form teams.

I agree. City aren't as formidable this season as they're been in the past. But I think their squad depth is just too much and no one can really compete.

 

[Josh 76]

As a neutral, I think Man Utd are absolutely in the race, I'm surprised to see some saying otherwise on here. City are more than capable of going on an iffy run, and Arsenal will continue to fall away. Squad depth will be key, but it's far from impossible.

On paper Utd maybe in the title race, but all Utd fans know the squad is paper thin and there are too many games to play in the cups. It’s just not going to happen.

 

[bosnian_red]

No it's not on. Though everyone had a wobble at the same time. We only won 2 of our last 5 league games.

Honestly, if we had perfect luck with injuries and had martial/Sancho/Antony/Eriksen always fit then who knows, maybe we'd able to get a run together. But no.

 

[Siorac]

On paper Utd maybe in the title race, but all Utd fans know the squad is paper thin and there are too many games to play in the cups. It’s just not going to happen.

Yeah, we'll have more games like Palace away and Leeds home, it's inevitable. The squad simply isn't there.

 

[Guy Incognito]

Based on today, I see City dropping points against in-form teams.

Yes, I don't see they will go on a run. But neither will Arsenal, they can't sustain their form in the first half.

Looking at City's fixtures, these are probably their trickest games left.

Newcastle (h)
Liverpool (h)
Brighton (a)
Fulham (a)
Everton (a)
Brentford (a)

 

[El Zoido]

So is this on after all? City played well tonight but I don't think they're capable of going on the runs they have in the past, while I could see Arsenal mentally collapsing after this. Only 5 points behind. I've been shutting down any title talk up until now, but we might just be in with a sniff...

Too many games, too many injuries, too thin of a squad.

 

[United492]

I think we're an 'also ran'' this season, which is some going considering the start to the campaign. Next season we'll be a real force, depending on what happens off the field.

 

[SinNombre]

City are going to win very comfortably by the end. Good thing is that no one cares.

 

[acnumber9]

Yes, I don't see they will go on a run. But neither will Arsenal, they can't sustain their form in the first half.

Looking at City's fixtures, these are probably their trickest games left.

Newcastle (h)
Liverpool (h)
Brighton (a)
Fulham (a)
Everton (a)
Brentford (a)

They’ve to play Arsenal again as well.

 

[top1whoisman]

Could be mentally tough for Arsenal to go again at Saturday lunchtime at Villa. Can imagine all the energy and focus that went into the City match. Hope Villa are up for it!

 

[Mr Smith]

Too many games, too many injuries, too thin of a squad.

That's how I have felt for most of the season, but if we were to go out against Barcelona within the next two weeks, we'd only have the league and the FA cup left to contend with, possibly with a trophy already under our belts.

More to the point, you could say the same for both Arsenal and City. If City were to lose Haaland or Rodri through injury I'd find it hard to imagine they wouldn't have a dip; we've already seen the effect of Arsenal not having Jesus and Partey today.

 

[RedDevil@84]

Damn that Palace draw. Should have been an easy win.

 

[MUFC OK]

Five points off the top in February but its really like January in a normal season... Would have laughed at that prospect after Brentford loss

Played the other two twice. We’re probably still 3rd favourites but are in it. Still with a new manager so arguably have room for growth between now and the run in.

 

[Belisarius]

So, in the last month we've beaten city, Arsenal beat us and now City beat Arsenal. Seems to me the top 3 are at pretty similar levels. The difference in the standings basically comes down to our horrible start in the first two games of the season. It's fine margins at the top of the table and handicapping yourself 6 points at the start of the season is only possible for a dominant title winning side which we're clearly not. But, we're on the same level as the other top sides and with a little reinforcement and a better start we should be right in the mix next season. This season we'll probably remain a couple of games behind right to the end, but if the others tumble we do have an outside chance.

 

[MUFC OK]

still 8 points to make up on Arsenal (given their game in hand)

But their game in hand is far from a given.

 

[Ayoba]

Come off it, we're not in a title race. Against the City machine, no one is.

 

[MUFC OK]

They’ve to play Arsenal again as well.

Take a draw/arsenal win if they don’t beat villa this weekend.

 

[Licha-Vidic]

Whoever who finishes above City wins it. Simple, as it has ever been. Just make sure you're above City you'll win the league

 

[MUFC OK]

Come off it, we're not in a title race. Against the City machine, no one is.

They’ve dropped plenty of stupid pts this season. Hence why they aren’t miles in front. Them being certs to win is only the case if they can go on a sustained run. They haven’t done that this far this season but do think the FFP thing is ‘siege mentality’ gold for them.