The champions sit five points adrift of leaders Chelsea going into Wednesday’s home game with Leicester City and the City and England No.1 accepts that if a third Premier League crown in four years is to be achieved, once again, it will have to be done the hard way.
“It’s not by choice – we certainly don’t set out to lose games and then have a points gap to make up, but that’s the way it’s fallen for us and that’s the way we will have to attack it again this time,” said Hart.
“I’m not that bothered about topping those previous seasons in terms of drama – winning the league is the most important thing whether we do it dramatically or not. It’d be nice not to have to do it that way but it looks as though it will have to be if we’re going to win it.
We have the capabilities – of course we do - but it’s not about the capabilities, it’s about doing it out on the pitch
...Joe Hart...
“We start again against Leicester and we have to try and get some momentum going. The season is full of highs and lows and that’s the beauty of this league.
”Chelsea have experienced it and look at Liverpool – they looked as though they could be relegated the way they started the season and now they’re flying and looking like they will qualify for the Champions League. We just need to catch fire at the right time.”
With three points against Leicester a minimum requirement, Hart is expecting nothing less than a tough game from Nigel Pearson’s men who arrive at the Etihad marooned to the foot of the table.
City edged the first meeting between the two clubs 1-0 at the King Power Stadium courtesy of a Frank Lampard goal and the Foxes arrive four points adrift at the foot of the table.
“I’m expecting loads of energy and lots of belief from Leicester,” he said. “I’m also expecting quality and a good Premier League team to come here – they’re not down at the bottom because they’re getting smashed 5-0 every week.
“Most games they have lost have been close cut games and teams have been very happy to beat them. They’ve managed one or two shock results along the way so they are going to be in the game – our mentality needs to be spot on and we need to go into the match looking to win.”
Book now for City v Leicester
Midweek football is back at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday as City face Leicester in the Barclays Premier League.
With City aiming for a third Premier League title in four years and Leicester looking to climb off the bottom of the table, this is sure to be an unmissable clash.
There’s also a chance you’ll see our new signing Wilfried Bony in action - will this be the night he scores his first City goal? The game isn’t being televised in the UK, so there’s only one way to find out!
There are only six home Premier League games to go and we need your support every step of the way... see you at the match!
