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“I struggle to find a better keeper in the world than Hart”
Sunday sees two of the three most likely title-winning teams, Manchester City and Tottenham, go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium in a pivotal clash. And although City will be without dynamic midfielder Yaya Touré, they have a player that the Life’s A Pitch team thinks could well be the best in the world at the moment, in goalkeeper Joe Hart.
“He’s got an aura about him,” explains former Arsenal player and journalist Adrian Clarke. “For someone of his age, that’s remarkable. I struggle to find a better goalkeeper in the world at the moment, than Joe Hart. That sounds an exaggeration, but you look around the Premier League: who is playing better than Joe Hart? I don’t think anybody is and it’s a huge asset [for Man City].”
Stars like Hart and playmaker David Silva will have to perform well as Man City adapt to Touré’s absence – he’s participating at the Africa Cup Of Nations – says the Daily Express’ Ian Ridley. “They’re going to have to be a different side over the next month with him away,” he says. “They can’t expect anyone like [Nigel] De Jong to come in and do that same job. So, they’re going to have to be a little more creative, keep the ball, and let Silva weave a bit more magic. Get him on the ball even more.”
Meanwhile, manager Roberto Mancini has been in the headlines this week for once again brandishing imaginary cards. And the Daily Mirror’s John Cross thinks he is letting himself down by doing so. “I do think he deserves great praise and credit for the way that Man City have played this season,” John explains. “He’s moulding a multi-billion pound club and squad together and he’s doing that well. And I fancy them to win the title this season. But I still think he needs to cut out some of that kind of [imaginary card-waving] stuff.”
Related articles:
Mike Calvin: Mancini still has lots to learn about the English game
Video: “With Man City struggling, Spurs can win” Premier League
Video: Man City advised against spending in January
Video: “You wouldn’t blame Van Persie if he wanted to go to City”
Watch Man City live on BT Vision:
Man City v Tottenham, live 1pm, 22 January, Sky Sports 1
Man City v Fulham, live 4:30pm, 4 February, ESPN
BT Vision customers can enjoy ESPN for free all weekend between 3 and 5 February. Just go to channel 34. This includes Manchester City v Fulham on 4 February.
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