Don't lose faith

The game against West Ham was won in the 1st minute. I don't mean to sound arrogant but based on current form, we knew nothing will stop us the moment that first goal went in. By half time, the game was dead and buried. All hopes turned towards Sunday to the Manchester derby. It was a huge disappointment in the way City was rolled over by a rampant Man United side. I agree that the 2 goals were beautifully taken but I expected City to put up a stronger challenge. Alas, it was not to be. Once again, I felt Man United had it easy. Many teams accorded too much respect to them. However, I remain defiant over the title challenge until the very last point is lost. Man United's game against Wigan is perhaps our last chance. They need 4 more points to win the league and have 3 more games to play. Too easy? Probably. If they draw or lose to Wigan tonight, out title hopes will still be alive. But the important thing is this: even if they win tonight, we must not lost faith and belief. This is football and anything can happen. They can still lose their last 2 games and we will have to be in a position to take advantage should that unlikely scenario become a reality. Whatever happens, we need to keep winning, keep fighting. I hope Rafa drills that into the players' heads.

Whatever happens to the title challenge, I feel we need to make a few changes in the summer. For one, the right back position needs to be strengtened. Philip Degen has been a disappointment after being out for the whole season and playing only one first team game so far. He needs to go. So does Arbeloa. He is too slow and too cumbersome at times. In central defence, with the departure of Hypia, we will need extra cover. The left back position looks pretty healthy at the moment with Insua, Aurelio and Dossena all playing well. In midfield, Lucas needs to be sold. Yes, SOLD! He is one of the worst brazilian players I have ever seen. Alonso MUST stay. I can understand why Rafa wants Gareth Barry. With the addition of another strong midfielder, Gerard can be freed to play further up front and his partnership with Torres can only do us good, provided the both of them remains fit. Having said that, perhaps an additional striker will do us no harm. For our flanks, it is looking really good and there is really no requirement to buy another player in that department.

Title or not, it is still progress we made this season. Looking back, there were games where we should have won instead of drawn. And if Gerard and Torresd had started more games together, perhaps we may be in a better position than we are right now.