James Milner still believes Manchester City can retain their Premier League title, but accepts they must win all of their remaining fixtures.
The Blues edged Liverpool last season to collect a second championship in three years, and looked as though they were capable of triumphing again when they found their best form in December of this campaign. However, they have since struggled to uphold this momentum, and have dropped exactly half of the point on offer since they defeated Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat Anfield, City returned to winning ways in midweek when they beat bottom-side Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. Milner scored the second goal to see off the Foxes, and although Chelsea also secured maximum points by beating West Ham United to maintain their lead at the top of the ladder, the England star still thinks his side can retain the title.
“We have got a bit sloppy,” said Milner. “It is important we step that up and do it for the 95 minutes of a game and not just in periods. That is what you need to do to be successful. We know what is in front of us now. The remaining games, we have to win, and we are more than capable of doing that. We have done it before. It is important we build on this win and take that forward.”
Due to their elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Middlesbrough, City have a free weekend this time round. They are next in action when they travel to Burnley a week on Saturday. A win against the Clarets would see Manuel Pellegrini’s side move within two points of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, although the capital club will at that time have played two fewer fixtures.
