City lost in Champions League quarter-finals after remarkable clash with Tottenham
Thursday 18 April 2019 10:58, UK
Paul Merson believes Manchester City are "one bad game away from a bad season" following their dramatic Champions League exit against Tottenham.
City saw their hopes of a quadruple disappear in dramatic style as a late VAR twist helped Spurs advance to the semi-finals on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw.
Their attentions will now turn to their Premier League title challenge and a rematch with Spurs on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
City, who have already won the Carabao Cup, are currently two points behind leaders Liverpool but have a game in hand, so will secure the title if they win their last five matches.
Speaking on The Debate, former England international Merson said: "They're one bad game away from a bad season. I mean that. This is a top quality team, they should win the league, they have the players. To win the FA Cup and the League Cup, I don't see that as a big deal for them.
"The pressure is on now, massively on. They're 90 minutes away from a bad season. Second is no good for Man City. They've got too many good players.
"I've always played the game: you've got to win. Coming second is a waste of time. This is a top quality team, don't forget that. That bench would get into any other team they were playing against.
"If they win the league I think that's a bigger feat than the Champions League. Liverpool could go and win the Champions League and they've lost more games in the Champions League than they have in the league. For me, if Man City win the league it's still a big thing."
After facing Spurs on Saturday, City then play Manchester United next Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.
Merson thinks the Manchester derby will be crucial to City's chances of winning the league.
"The only person who can stop Man City winning the league is Marcus Rashford. We've seen tonight, get some pace against this Man City team…and he'll hurt you. Kyle Walker's bombing forward but you get quick players like [Heung-Min] Son and he doesn't get back quick enough. Pace will hurt Man City.
"They'll beat Tottenham. Tottenham have worked very hard tonight, emotionally they'll be drained."
