City show steel to shatter Hoop dreams

CHAMPIONS ELECT? Arsene Wenger believes we must reserve judgment on Manchester City’s title hopes for another month, but QPR manager Neil Warnock and striker Jay Bothroyd have fewer doubts about Roberto Mancini’s side.

The beginning of November may be far too early to make such bold predictions, but a pattern is beginning to emerge for City, who maintained their unbeaten start in the league and a five-point lead over rivals United at the top.

The stats are in their favour. City’s hard-fought victory over an enterprising QPR side meant they became only the fifth English team to win at least 10 of their first 11 matches in the top flight.