Keegan rejects Man City title bid

Last updated : 28 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Kevin Keegan says the Premier League is a "two-horse race" between Manchester United and Arsenal after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday.The result left third-placed City 10 points behind United and six off Arsenal, having played one game more.

With 10 league games remaining for City, former boss Keegan said: "We are definitely into a two-horse race now.

"The points they have dropped and the games they have dropped them in. They just let themselves down."

Prior to the weekend's fixtures, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also stated his belief that the title race would be between his side and London rivals Arsenal, who lost to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

Arsenal have got a tough trip to Barcelona, which I can't see them coming through, so the League and FA Cup is all they've got left

Kevin Keegan

City have spent lavishly on new players since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group in September 2009.

This season, they have progressed under Roberto Mancini and sit in third place in the league, whilst also being in the last 16 of the Europa League and having an FA Cup fifth-round tie still to play - against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

A top-four finish in the Premier League is crucial for the Eastlands outfit in order to ensure qualification for next season's lucrative Champions League.

But Keegan believes they are still not ready for a title bid, having lost at Aston Villa and drawn with Birmingham in the last four weeks.

"You look at the fixtures and you think 'well they will beat Fulham at home' and they don't," the former England manager told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Maybe that's the fact they have just been thrown together a little bit too quickly and maybe it's a good thing that you can't just do that."

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have crucial Champions League last 16 second legs coming up. But while United will be favourites to beat Marseille at Old Trafford after drawing 0-0 in France, Keegan is expecting Arsenal to bow out in Barcelona.

The Gunners lead 2-1 after the first leg in London but Keegan expects Arsene Wenger's side to be left with a clear run at the Premier League after their trip to the Nou Camp on 8 March.

"It's a two-horse race now and obviously after getting beaten yesterday Arsenal have got a tough trip to Barcelona, which I can't see them coming through, so the league and FA Cup is all they've got left," said Keegan.

Arsenal face League One side Leyton Orient in an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Wednesday.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport