The Blues have failed to win their last three home matches and dropped ten points at the Etihad this season – but with seven games still to come at home, Milner believes 21 points are achievable, starting with Newcastle United this weekend.
“I don’t think we can afford to drop too many more points at home – if any - and if I’m honest, I think we need to win them all,” said Milner who was voted January’s Player of the Month.
“Hopefully, this time around, if we win our third title it will be because our away form has been the bedrock.
“We’ve already lost to Newcastle at home this season and the defeats tend to stick in your mind more than the victories unfortunately. That game will be in the minds of a few of the lads, I’m sure and we’ll want to put that right on Saturday.”
Milner is hoping new Magpies boss John Carver gets a good run in the hot-seat at St James’ Park and has played under him during his time on Tyneside.
“John Carver was at Newcastle when I signed for the club as a No.2 to Bobby Robson,” he recalled.
I know him well; he’s a really good guy and a good coach. You can see by the jobs he’s had in football that he’s well respected in the game and I hope he does really well and gets the position permanently
...Milner on Carver...
“I know they haven’t won that many games yet but hopefully they will click into gear before long. It’s not easy for any new manager, even if he’s been there before, because he will have new ideas and it will take time to adjust.
“They did well away to Hull City recently and were unlucky not to beat Stoke and Crystal Palace as well so they’re starting to pick up points.
“It’s not easy to be consistent in the Premier League - every team is there for a reason and have quality players so anyone can beat anyone on the day and that applies to Newcastle as much as any team.
“But we need the points and we want to get somewhere near our best form again at the Etihad starting with this game.”
