Point could prove vital

Les Chapman’s corner

A FRANTIC finish to Manchester City’s home clash with Sunderland saw us come from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw, claiming a point which could be crucial in the Barclays Premier League title race.

Of course, we all wanted to win the game in order to keep the pressure on leaders United, but trailing by two goals with less than 10 minutes remaining, a draw doesn’t look such a bad outcome.

It was a big effort from the lads at the end to ensure the match finished all-square, and now we must hope other teams do us a favour against United sometime in the next few weeks.

Sunderland’s second goal, just before the half-time interval, gave them a huge boost and it was always going to be a difficult task.

But who knows what that point will mean to our title aspirations come next month?

We were missing a few key players against the Black Cats, including Joleon Lescott, playmaker Samir Nasri and striker Sergio Aguero.

Hopefully this talented trio return in time for Sunday’s trip to the Emirates, where we face Arsenal.

The Gunners lost to QPR at the weekend but before that they had won seven straight Premier League fixtures, proving their worth as a top side in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

It is going to be a very tough test for us but it is one I am sure we will relish.

We can expect a lively atmosphere in North London, and United face QPR a few hours before our game so we will know how Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have fared before we kick a ball.

As I have said before, the neutrals must be loving the title run-in and will be glued to their television screens on Sunday, with both Manchester clubs in action.

The race for Champions League qualification is also an entertaining one, with bitter rivals Tottenham and Arsenal playing some great football in the process.

Chelsea are not out of it yet either and it could go right down to the wire between those three sides.