By Eddie Maisonet / @edthesportsfan

City was just the better side, simple and plain.

As the sky blue adorned fans of Manchester City sung in celebration after the 1-0 victory over their in-town rivals of Manchester United, the celebration should ring true a simple thought.

City is capable of winning the Premier League.

It’s a simple thought that many until today would say that they’d never believe. Even when they were up by as many as five points atop the table earlier in the season, many questioned whether City had the intestinal fortitude to keep their stride for a 38-game schedule. Sure enough, the losses and ties started to come at the most inopportune of times. Losses to Swansea City and Arsenal along with egregious ties to Stoke City and Sunderland allowed City to only clear 5 points in a critical 5 game stretch. Manchester United’s consistent play prevailed, allowing them to secure the Premier League lead coming into the final weeks of the season.

Of course, that’s what makes The Manchester Derby so special, right?

ManU’s baffling 1-0 loss to Wigan and coughing up a 4-2 lead over Everton before settling onto a 4-4 tie got us to Monday’s apex. City seized the moment and looked like the side we all remember barnstorming through the Premier League, going undefeated all the way until December before Chelsea could finally get them a “L.”

Its ironic that Vincent Kompany would score the lone goal for City just before the first half ended, as his header now has City go top of the table on goal difference with two games remaining. Kompany has arguably been the most consistent player for City, and certainly been their biggest leader. On a team full of malcontents, ego-driven personalities, and players who fail to come through in the clutch, their true leader showed his colors and the sky blue adorned fans can look to their team to control their own destiny. 

While the win over United might seem to be their biggest game of the season, their next game could prove to be even more vital. Newcastle United will serve as hosts for City on May 6th with plenty to play for. Newcastle needs to keep winning to stay in the Top 4 for the Champions League along with getting revenge on their 3-1 loss to City back in November. This will serve as manager Roberto Mancini’s biggest task, to prevent the hangover from getting drunk off of the United win, and keep his squad focused on the ultimate prize, hoisting the league trophy.