LONDON: Manuel Pellegrini is convinced Manchester City have enjoyed a ‘good week’ despite failing to take an opportunity to go top of the Premier League.
Chelsea’s surprise 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday gave City the chance to move above them, and Liverpool, with a win at Arsenal.
David Silva’s first-half goal put them on course to do just that but they had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw when Mathieu Flamini equalised for the hosts.
That left City still third and instead it is Liverpool who can overtake Chelsea if they win at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
But considering that only one team — Aston Villa on the opening day — has won at Arsenal in the Premier League, Pellegrini was not too disappointed to add only a point to a 5-0 home win over Fulham a week ago and Tuesday’s impressive 3-0 victory at fallen champions Manchester United.
“Four points from Manchester United and Arsenal when both games were away is a good week for us,” the Chilean said.
“Of course we could be more happy if we won today — and we had, especially in the first half, the chances to do it.
“We had a clear chance before they scored to score a second goal but we couldn’t. Arsenal had a better second half but no chances to score apart from the goal.
“In the first half we had at least four clear chances to finish, especially in the first 20 minutes. We had good crosses and good passes inside the box so maybe we could have finished the game before.”
City’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday April 13 is sure to have a massive bearing on the title race, although by then Pellegrini and Co will have two games in hand over all three of their title rivals. — AFP